Online Desk: Mercy petitions submitted by 19 individuals convicted for their involvement in the May 9 protests have been approved, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced in a statement on Thursday. “Sequel to the promulgation of punishments to 9th May Tragedy convicts, they have exercised their right to appeal and have asked for mercy / remission in their punishments,” the military’s media wing stated.
The ISPR further said that a total of 67 convicts had submitted mercy petitions, with 48 of these petitions processed to Courts of Appeal. It added that the petitions of 19 convicts had been accepted “purely on humanitarian grounds, in accordance with law.”
“They all shall be released after completion of procedural formalities,” the statement continued.
The press release also mentioned that the mercy petitions of the remaining convicts would be decided in due course, following the legal process. It emphasised that all those convicted retain their right to appeal and pursue other legal remedies as per the law and constitution. “The remission of punishments is a testament to the strength of the due process and fairness, which ensures that justice is served while also taking into account the principles of compassion and mercy,” the ISPR concluded.
In December, military courts sentenced 60 more civilians to prison terms for their roles in violent attacks on military installations during the nationwide riots on May 9, 2023.
The sentences come just days after the ISPR announced that 25 civilians had been handed prison terms for their involvement in the same events.
The individuals have been convicted for their involvement in violent attacks on key military and government facilities, including the Corps Commander House in Lahore, the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the ISI office in Faisalabad, and Bannu Cantt, among others, the ISPR stated.
“Sequel to the announcement of the May 9 punishments in light of the Supreme Court’s decision, the Field General Court Martial has promulgated the punishments to the following remaining 60 culprits after examining all evidences, ensuring the provision of all legal rights to the convicts, completion of due process and the appropriate legal proceedings,” the statement said.
The statement further emphasised that all individuals sentenced have the legal right to appeal, as outlined by the country’s laws. The military’s media wing said that proceedings have been completed against nine additional accused individuals in the May 9 cases. The May 9 riots were sparked by the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a corruption case last year, leading to widespread protests across the country.
These protests turned violent, resulting in attacks on both public and military installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the Lahore Corps Commander House (Jinnah House), and other key sites nationwide. Initially, military trials related to the riots were paused following a Supreme Court ruling. However, last month, the court’s constitutional bench ordered the resumption of these trials, directing that cases which had been delayed due to the previous order be concluded.
