The families of martyrs on Wednesday demanded the Supreme Court to restore military courts while announcing to file a petition against its verdict on the military trials of civilians.

“Under the provisions of Section 2(1)(d) of the Pakistan Army Act 1952, it was easy for the military courts to act against terrorists and their sympathisers and spies,” said Anwar Zeb, a relative of an army martyr.

He said that the martyrs’ families will file a petition next Monday in the Supreme Court against its verdict on the military trial of civilians.

“Closing the military courts will likely facilitate arsonists and terrorists,” Zeb added.

Referring to Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav’s case in the international court, he said that Pakistan will find it hard to fight its case as the apex court has given a verdict against sections of the Army Act.

He claimed that the recent wave of terrorism in the country was the result of the apex court’s verdict declaring the military trials of civilians unconstitutional.

Jamal Raisani, Caretaker Sports Minister in Balochistan, said that the families of martyrs gave sacrifices for the country and the Supreme Court’s verdict was hurtful to the families.

“We have gathered here to demand the apex court to review its verdict. We have to think who will take advantage of declaring Army Act’s sections unconstitutional,” he added.

Raisani said that the families were heartbroken due to the court’s verdict, while resolving to not let anyone disrespect memories of the martyrs.

“Terrorists have been given a free hand. Amid the terrorism, the army courts are to be suspended and there are talks of ending the Official Secret Act,” said Wazir Farman Ali, the son of a martyr.