Trials under army act internal Is issue: Hina Rabbani Khar

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, has defended the federal government’s decision to hold trials of individuals involved in the attack on state and army installations under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952. She emphasized that no state can tolerate incidents of arson and vandalism.

Speaking to journalists after a parliamentary meeting, the state minister stated that no country in the world overlooks acts of arson and vandalism. She pointed out that everyone witnessed the response to the attack on Capitol Hill in the United States.

Also Read
 Supreme Court breaks silence on arranging Mercedes car for Imran Khan for court appearance

On May 17, the country’s civil and military leaders endorsed the decision to invoke the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, and the Official Secrets Act, 1923 against those responsible for the riots that took place on May 9. The violent protests erupted following the arrest of Imran Khan, the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), from the premises of the federal capital’s high court.

The government subsequently launched a major crackdown on PTI leaders and workers, arresting thousands of people on charges of attacking civil and military installations.

Hina Rabbani Khar mentioned her discussions with representatives of the European Union at the Indo-Pacific Forum and clarified that no country advised against trying arsonists under the army act. However, she noted that all countries expressed concerns about the rioting in Pakistan.

Highlighting the reaction of Pakistan’s security forces to the attack on state installations, Khar stated that they exercised restraint to prevent loss of life. She indirectly referred to the PTI chief and emphasized that no individual should be allowed to exploit their fame to ignite unrest in the country. She further stated that those who caused destruction under the guise of politics should not be spared.

The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring peace promptly and protecting the constitutional rights of the people of Pakistan. She asserted that arsonists cannot be exempted under any circumstances, as the reputation of Pakistan is of utmost importance at this time.

Regarding Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US ambassador to the UN, who has criticized the Pakistani government’s crackdown on the PTI, Hina Rabbani Khar chose not to respond to his remarks.