— NA, Senate resolutions express solidarity with armed forces, martyrs
— JI opposes trial of civilians in military courts
ISLAMABAD: In an unprecedented move, the National Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution demanding speedy action against the May 9 rioters under the Army Act.
The resolution was presented by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, demanding that action be taken against the perpetrators of the May 9 events under the Army Act, while ensuring respect for human rights.
The text of the resolution stated that a group and its leaders had crossed all limits on May 9, launching attacks on military installations, causing irreparable damage to state institutions and the country. Therefore, the resolution demanded that action be taken against all such elements in accordance with the law and the Constitution.
It stated that there should be no delay of even a day in taking action against the culprits, adding that even the party’s workers and leaders were distancing themselves from the May 9 events.
The resolution stated that no violation of human rights took place during the action taken against the miscreants and criminals.
The resolution mentioned that the military has the authority to take action in response to attacks on military installations worldwide, and all individuals involved should be punished under the Pakistan Army Act of 1952 for their actions.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while expressing his views in the house, stated that military installations were targeted on May 9. “Our system has been compromised. No new laws are being created against the culprits of May 9; the existing laws found in books are being utilised.”
He stated that the cases related to attacks on military installations are heard in military courts worldwide. “We have not created any new law; rather, these laws already exist. Where there is terrorism, cases will be dealt with under anti-terrorism laws,” he added.
He also stated that where cases are supposed to be heard under Article 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), they will be dealt with accordingly. However, those who targeted fighter jets and attacked the Bala Hisar Fort will face cases under the Army Act.
Maulana Abdul Kabir Chitrali, a member of the Jamaat-e-Islami, opposed the trial of civilians in military courts, saying that no one is above the law, not even the prime minister, the army chief, or the chief justice.
He questioned whether the government and the judiciary have completely failed. “If that is the case, then send the cases to military courts, and if not, then proceed with the cases in civilian courts,” he added.
He stated that JI opposes the demand for cases to be heard in military courts as mentioned in this resolution.
Senate resolution lauds martyrs’ sacrifices, condemns May 9 attacks
The Upper House of the Parliament on Monday through a resolution commemorated the sacrifices of martyrs rendered for peace, safety, security and stability.
The resolution presented in Senate by Minister of State for Law and Justice, Shahadat Awan paid tribute to the unparalleled role played by the Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation against both external and internal threats.
The resolution strongly condemned the shocking and distressing acts of vandalism and arson that occurred on May 9. These reprehensible actions targeted prominent landmarks such as Jinnah House Lahore, monuments dedicated to martyrs and national heroes, installations belonging to the Armed Forces, and the Radio Pakistan Peshawar building.
Expressing their deep sense of dismay and resentment, the House deplored these attacks and demanded that those responsible for planning, facilitating, and instigating them be brought to justice under the full extent of the law.
In a show of unwavering support and solidarity, the Senate extended its backing to the armed forces and other security agencies in the aftermath of this unfortunate incident.
Additionally, the resolution expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs, recognizing and honoring the tremendous sacrifices they had made for the nation.
The Senate resolved to hold their invaluable services for the motherland in the highest regard for all times to come.
The passing of this unanimous resolution in the Senate serves as a powerful testament to the nation’s unity and determination to protect the ideals of peace and stability that Pakistan holds dear.
