Military trials have already begun, SC informed.

ISLAMABAD -- The federal government has informed the Supreme Court that military courts have initiated trials for individuals who allegedly attacked military installations and memorials on May 9, following the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan.

"To safeguard the interests of the accused persons, it is imperative that their trials are conducted and concluded so that those who may merit acquittal can be acquitted, and those who may merit minor sentences and have already served time in custody can also be released.

'Furthermore, accused persons, if convicted, can avail remedies available under the law," stated an application submitted to the apex court in response to the SC's August 3 order.

It is further submitted that the trials of these accused persons shall remain subject to the outcome of the proceedings of the apex court. The application has been submitted as a five-member judge larger bench led by Justice Ijazul Ahsan is set to resume hearings on Monday (tomorrow) to address the petitions challenging these trials.

In the last hearing conducted by a six-member bench on August 3, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan had reiterated an assurance "on instructions specifically obtained from the highest military authorities" that court martial of civilians would not commence without notifying the apex court.

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The order noted that "We are confident that this commitment will be adhered to, and trials shall not commence without informing the court.

"The learned AGP, for this purpose, shall first inform the court through a statement made at the bar on a date of hearing fixed in these petitions. The court, after hearing the parties, may thereupon make any order it deems appropriate," the court had noted.

In its application, the government stated that the trials of these accused persons shall remain subject to the outcome of the proceedings of the apex court.

"It is stated that a total of 102 persons were taken into custody for their involvement in the attacks on military installations/establishments, including Generals Headquarters Rawalpindi, Corps Commander House Lahore, PAF Base Mianwali, ISI Establishment Civil Lines Faisalabad, Sialkot Cantonment, ISI Establishment Hamza Camp Rawalpindi, Gujranwala Cantonment, and Bannu Cantonment, etc.

"The accused persons were taken into custody during...