Pakistan Supreme Court Hands Army More Power

In a major reversal, Pakistan’s Supreme Court on May 7, 2025, upheld the use of military courts to try civilians, allowing over 100 such prosecutions linked to the 2023 pro-Imran Khan riots to proceed.

The court overturned its own earlier ruling that had declared these trials unconstitutional, siding with the defence ministry’s appeal.

The decision could pave the way for the continuation of military proceedings against dozens of civilians, some of whom have already been sentenced to as many as 10 years in prison.

The decision comes amid escalating tensions with India, further shifting Pakistan’s fragile power balance in favour of the military. As civilian authority weakens, the Army’s influence grows ever stronger.

The military courts were invoked after widespread unrest broke out following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan in 2023.

The government claims 39 military installations were attacked across the country during the violence.

Khan remains incarcerated on corruption charges, despite earlier convictions being overturned.

His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), slammed the ruling, saying military laws were never intended for civilian use. “The purpose of military law is to maintain discipline within the armed forces,” a PTI spokesperson said, as per Gulf News.