Military Court Convicts’ Death Sentences Challenged in Supreme Court Hearing

A three-member bench, led by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, heard the appeals of Ziaul Haq, Muhammad Imran, Hafiz Usman, Haider, and Nazir Ahmed, who were sentenced to death for attacking security forces.

Both the appellate court and the Balochistan High Court had upheld their sentences.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel requested access to the trial records, but the public prosecutor argued that court-martial records could not be disclosed by law.

Justice Mandokhel questioned how the defense could proceed without seeing the records and directed the prosecutor to allow the petitioners’ counsel to review them and take notes.

The government lawyer said he would seek instructions and update the court.

The court adjourned the hearing, deciding that all cases of convicts sentenced by military courts would be heard together.