Islamabad, 25 May 2023 (GNP): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has filed a constitutional petition in the Supreme Court against the imposition of Article 245 across the country except Sindh, and the continued repression of party members in the wake of the May 9 riots.
According to Article 245, the federal government may use military forces to assist the civilian administration in times of crisis or when a threat to national security arises.
In the petition submitted through attorney Hamid Khan, the Federation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other members of the ruling alliance, including Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Asif Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, have been named as respondents.
Additionally, Khan requested the court to order police to refrain from detaining party members and leaders suspected of participating in the pillage of state facilities following his detention on May 9.
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The appeal also asks the supreme court to prevent prosecution of civilians accused of targeting defense sites in military courts, since it breaches fundamental rights.
Moreover, Khan charged Nawaz Sharif and Maryam of stirring tensions between PTI and the military by “propagating” their claims that the latter wanted to appoint the army chief of his choice.
The petition also urges the Supreme court to act against the “forced separation” of PTI leaders who have broken ties due to the May 9 riots.
It further calls for a fair judicial investigation of the events leading up to the incidents of 9 May.
