Hassaan Khan Niazi, nephew of PTI founder Imran Khan, filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) challenging his military custody and court-martial. Authorities arrested him for his alleged role in the May 9, 2023, riots at Lahore’s Jinnah House.
In December 2024, the military court sentenced him to 10 years in prison. The petition argues that transferring him to military custody lacked legal authority and sparked a major legal battle.
Niazi’s lawyer, Faisal Siddiqui, stated in the petition, shared with Dawn, that authorities handed Niazi to military officials without civilian court supervision. The petition asserts, “The transfer to military custody is wholly without jurisdiction.” It highlights the absence of any application under Section 549(3) of the Criminal Code of Procedure (CrPC) 1898 to justify moving Niazi from Sarwar Road police station to the 54th Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Battalion.
Read: Imran Khan’s Nephew Among 60 Sentenced by Military Court for May 9 Riots
The petition further points out that neither the CrPC nor the Pakistan Army Act 1952 permits such a transfer without a civilian court order. Among thousands named in the May 9 riot FIRs, Niazi stood out. He seeks a court ruling to declare unlawful his transfer, the military’s custody request, and the court-martial proceedings. He requests either release or a trial in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Lahore for FIR No. 96 of 2023.
Authorities arrested Niazi during violent protests on May 9, 2023, following Imran Khan’s detention, during which mobs attacked Jinnah House. PTI claims political targeting in the military court’s 10-year sentence. The LHC petition disputes the legality of military trials over civilians, a contentious issue in Pakistan.
Niazi’s case raises critical questions about military courts’ jurisdiction over civilians and the justice system’s balance in Pakistan. An LHC verdict favouring Niazi could set a precedent for others tried in military courts after May 9. The case also spotlights ongoing tensions between PTI and state authorities, drawing public attention.
