LAHORE: On Wednesday, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari suggested that PTI leader Imran Khan could face a military trial if found involved in the May 9 violence. “If Imran Khan is implicated in the May 9 events, he will be held accountable. During his tenure, civilians were tried in military courts. Adiala’s prisoner will not be spared,” Bokhari stated during a press conference.
However, Punjab Law Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmad Barth clarified that there are currently no proposals to refer Imran Khan’s case to a military court. “No summary regarding sending Imran Khan’s case to military courts has been presented to the provincial cabinet or the law department. No such proposal is under consideration at the moment,” Barth said.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had previously indicated that if necessary, the Punjab government might decide to refer Khan’s case to a military court. Similarly, federal government spokesperson Barrister Aqeel Malik suggested that Khan’s involvement in the May 9 violence could lead to a military trial.
PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan strongly opposed the idea of a military trial for Khan. “A military trial should not be held,” Khan remarked during an appearance on a private TV channel, emphasizing that such a move could further alienate the public from institutions.
In a separate briefing, Azma Bokhari highlighted the Punjab government’s achievements over the past six months, including the registration of 80,000 people under the ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ program and 800,000 for the ‘Kisan Card.’ She also mentioned the introduction of solar panels to alleviate electricity bills and noted that Punjab’s debt had decreased for the first time since the PML-N government took office.
Bokhari also addressed environmental initiatives, stating that farmers had been arrested for burning stubble using Safe City Authority cameras and predicting a significant reduction in smog this year.
