The Battle for Civilian Rights: An Uphill Struggle
The fate of over 80 civilians in military custody hangs in the balance following a historic Supreme Court verdict on Oct 23, 2023. The court struck down a section of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, allowing court-martialing of civilians, citing violations of fundamental rights.
The government’s appeal against this decision has led to a suspension of the judgement, halting final decisions in military trials until a verdict is reached. The judiciary’s stance against military courts for civilians echoes a long-standing battle for civil liberties in Pakistan’s justice system.
Amidst debates over national security and due process, the Supreme Court’s efforts to protect civilian rights have faced political challenges. The tug-of-war between the government and the judiciary now extends to the selection of judges for the Constitutional Bench handling the appeal.
As the struggle for justice continues, the plight of civilians highlights the ongoing tension between upholding fundamental rights and security interests in Pakistan’s legal landscape. The fight for civilian liberty remains intertwined with the outcome of the government’s appeal, symbolizing a broader quest for constitutional supremacy and judicial independence.
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