The federal government has asked the the Supreme Court of Pakistan to dismiss applications against trial of civilians involved in May 9 protests in military courts.

“The issues involved in the instant petitions are of critical importance to the national security and integrity of Pakistan,” the petition says.

It further argues that the army has been given the job of defending the country and any attacks against military installations is a ‘direct attack against the national security of Pakistan’.

It adds that all people in the violent protests of May 9 need to be tried under the army act as ‘deterrence’ against similar acts in the future.

The petition also cites the examples of Shakil Afridi and Kulbhushan yadav to say that there is plenty of evidence that ‘foreign powers’ are working to destabilise and weaken the armed forces.

It goes on to say that trying civilians under the Army Act in this situation is ‘apt and proportionate’ response under existing laws of Pakistan.

The petition has argued that the Official Secrets Act and Army Act are both older than the constitution and trial under them does not affect a person’s fundamental rights.

A six-member bench of the court is set to resume hearing in the military courts case from Tuesday. In the previous hearing, the chief justice had remarked that he ‘hoped’ trials of civilians would not begin during the break.