(NATIONAL) SC reserves verdict on pleas against military trials of civilians.

ISLAMABAD -- The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday reserved its decision on pleas challenging the military trial of civilians named in the May 9 riots triggered by the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

A five-member apex court bench - headed by Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, and comprising Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ayesha Malik is hearing the pleas.

Presenting his arguments, Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan said he would explain to the court why a constitutional amendment was necessary to form military courts in 2015 to try the terrorists.

Responding to Justice Ahsan's query, AGP Awan said the accused who were tried in military courts were local as well as foreign nationals.

He said the accused would be tried under Section 2 (1) (D) of the Official Secrets Act and a trial under the Army Act would fulfill all the requirements of a criminal case. "The trial of the May 9 accused will be held in line with the...