Recent military intervention in Pakistani politics has jeopardized the entire political system. On May 8th, 2023, Imran Khan was arrested. This upset the supporters of Imran Khan, and terrorists in the crowd burned the military headquarters while others burned the military commander’s official residence.

The Pakistani army marked May 9th as a dark day in the history of Pakistan and warned that the perpetrators will bear severe consequences. Many accused people have been arrested, and the military is ready to bring them to justice. Pakistan is the only country in South Asia where civilians are tried under military law. This is a breach of the international laws of justice and an attempt to curb the freedom of human beings.

I do not support the massacre of the army headquarters, but I believe the accused must be tried under the laws of the Pakistani judicial system. The army does not have the right to intervene in the justice system and freedom of mass media.

Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International responded to the press release published by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) which aimed to bring the terrorists in protests to trial under the Pakistan Army Act and Official Secret Act, stating Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International said:

It is alarming to note that the Pakistani Army has stated its intention to try civilians under military laws, possibly in military courts. Trying civilians in military courts is contrary to international law.

Amnesty International has noted the violation of human rights by trying civilians in military courts, which shows disrespect, forced confessions, lack of accountability, and executions. The trial of civilians in military courts is a breach of the duties of Pakistan under international human rights law.

He further called it an intimidation act that is used by an institution that is already crossing its limits. There are provisions in criminal law that can be used to punish the ones causing damage to public property. The people have a right to a fair trial which is diminished by this act, so it must be removed immediately.

Moreover, media advocacy groups and reporters demand to know about the disappearance of famous television anchor Imran Riaz Khan, who was arrested from Sialkot on May 11th. The journalist was arrested from Sialkot while he was trying to leave the country over fear of detention.

Daniel Bastard, from Global Watchdog Reporters Without Borders, also reported that it is believed that Mr. Khan has been tortured and killed in detention. The journalist was arrested along with thousands of other people during the suppression of supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf and its leader, Imran Khan.

Imran Riaz Khan co-hosted shows supporting the PTI leader, Imran Khan and has a popular YouTube channel of 4 million subscribers. The journalist was supposed to be presented to the courts, but there was no sign of the missing journalist. International media agencies urged Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif to release the missing reporter on an immediate basis, and if they fail to do, they would be responsible for any harm to him.

Amnesty International also demanded the immediate release of journalist Imran Riaz Khan. Many journalists supporting Imran Khan have left the country.

PTI leader, Imran Khan, was removed from his office by a vote of no confidence in April 2022, which he declared to be illegal and plotted by the army. Polls declare Imran Khan to be the most popular leader in Pakistani politics. He held many anti-government protests and accused the army of collapsing his government.

The leader of PTI was arrested by paramilitary forces on May 9 on charges of corruption and was released on bail, but during this period, his supporters burned public property. The PTI leader condemned these attacks, and his supporters and senior leaders have been arrested while clashing with riot police and attacks on government property.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army General Asim Muneer have declared that the accused will be tried in military courts which are against human rights. The supporters and leaders of the opposition are denied basic human rights and access to freedom. The current political scenario is disappointing, and international media journalists must highlight the issue and protect Pakistani citizens from human rights abuse.