The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday denounced the sentencing of accused involved in May 9 riots by the military courts, saying the verdicts are “illegal and unconstitutional”, however, in the same breath, the opposition party also expressed willingness to hold talks with the government.
“The military court’s decisions are unconstitutional. However, despite the verdicts, we are ready for negotiations,” said PTI leader Salman Akram Raja during a press conference flanked by other party leaders.
The presser comes hours after the military courts sentenced 25 individuals involved in the May 9, 2023, attacks on state installations to two to 10 years.
“Field General Court Martial (FGCM) have in [the] first phase promulgated the punishments to 25 accused,” the military’s media wing said. “All convicts retain the right to appeal and other legal recourses, as guaranteed by the law and the Constitution.”
The protests broke out after PTI founder Imran Khan was taken into custody in a graft case. In turn, scores of party workers were arrested and more than 100 civilians are facing military trials.
However, the party maintains that it had no role in the incidents involving military installations, including the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ), and has called for a judicial probe into last year’s events.
