By: A.R Manj
09/05/2025
Two year after Pakistan was rocked by violent protests on May 9, 2023 — following the dramatic arrest of former Prime Minister and PTI chief Imran Khan — the country finds itself grappling not just with political turmoil but with profound questions about justice, civil rights, and the military’s place in national life.
The scale of the May 9 unrest was unprecedented: over 10 deaths, hundreds injured, and dozens of military and government sites — including Lahore’s Corps Commander’s House, Rawalpindi’s General Headquarters (GHQ), and ISI offices — attacked. Damages were estimated at Rs2.5 billion, with the army claiming the lion’s share of losses.
For Pakistan’s powerful military, this was more than a protest; it was framed as an assault on the state. Army leadership moved swiftly, branding the events as a “coordinated attack” masterminded by PTI leaders. Within weeks, hundreds of civilians were arrested; by December, 85 had been convicted by military courts.
Secret Trials, Silenced Voices
The heart of the current controversy lies in how these cases were prosecuted. Under Pakistan’s Army Act and the colonial-era Official Secrets Act — expanded controversially in 2023 — civilians accused of threatening military security can be tried in military courts. These trials are closed to the public and media, with lawyers tightly restricted in what they can access or disclose.
Families of detainees recount weeks of silence after their loved ones were taken, only learning their whereabouts through brief, heavily monitored meetings months later. Defense lawyers, meanwhile, describe navigating a system where they cannot access full case files, cannot copy documents, and are warned against discussing proceedings publicly.
Critics argue these trials violate Pakistan’s constitution, particularly Article 10-A, which guarantees the right to a fair trial. “Military courts were meant for soldiers, not civilians,” one human rights advocate told us. “This sets a dangerous precedent.”
Legal Battle in the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has become the key battleground. In late 2023, it ruled military trials of civilians unconstitutional, insisting cases be returned to the civilian courts. But in December, the Court suspended that ruling, allowing trials to proceed — leaving families in legal limbo.
Today, 85 detainees remain in military custody, awaiting verdicts. Petitions continue to pile up at the Supreme Court, where lawyers argue that these trials undermine civilian institutions and blur the line between security and political repression.
A Broader Power Struggle
Pakistan’s use of military courts isn’t new. Over decades, they’ve been deployed during moments of crisis — from the 1951 Rawalpindi Conspiracy Case to the anti-terror push following the 2014 Army Public School attack. But critics say the May 9 trials mark a worrying shift: the military courts, they argue, are no longer targeting militants or insurgents, but political dissent.
“This is no longer just about justice for May 9,” said one political analyst. “It’s about who controls the narrative, the courts, and ultimately, the country’s democratic future.”
What’s Next?
As Pakistan marks one year since the May 9 protests, the stakes remain high. The Supreme Court’s final rulings will shape not only the fate of the detainees but also set the tone for civil-military relations going forward.
For now, Pakistan stands at a legal and political crossroads — with families waiting for answers, lawyers challenging the system, and the public watching a slow-burning test of the nation’s commitment to justice.
