Adviser to the prime minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah has confirmed that the proposed 27th constitutional amendment would include provisions for establishing military courts.
In an interview with World Echo (WE News), he claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured allied political parties that it would be introduced. The amendment is expected to address the distribution of funds within the local government system in Sindh.
This comes amid reports that the government would change laws related to military courts. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, whose role in the 26th Constitutional Amendment was like a “dealmaker”, has already opposed any such amendment.
The government narrowly passed constitutional amendments on Monday giving lawmakers more power to appoint top judges, who have issued a series of recent decisions favouring opposition chief Imran Khan.
The judicial reforms changed the appointment process of the chief justice of Pakistan and the formation of benches. It also set a date for the end of riba (interest-based banking) “as far as practicable by January 1, 2028.”
Sanaullah noted that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) is advocating for direct transfers of local government funds from the federal government to districts, as such funds often fail to reach the grassroots level when allocated to provinces.
The PM’s adviser on political affairs revealed that discussions regarding military courts have already taken place. He stressed the need for establishing military courts in specific areas like erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas, stating: “Military courts should be set up there because civilians do not go to those regions.”
He clarified that cases involving incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan “will not be handled by military courts,” asserting: “Such a situation should not occur.”
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Sanaullah denied rumours about former chief justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa being appointed as the chief election commissioner. He also stated that retired judges would not be part of the constitutional bench.
Independent senator Faisal Vawda also made similar claims while appearing on the Aaj News programme Rubaroo.
“I had said earlier that there will be amendments and developments,” he said. “I will keep the nation informed about all the drama and Imran Khan.”
In response to a question about any more tweaks in the law, Vawda said that he would speak when the time was appropriate. When the host pressed, he said: “Not just the 27th constitutional amendment.”
