The Islamabad High Court has suspended the execution of death sentences for five former Navy officers pending further judicial review.
Justice Babar Sattar issued a written order in response to a petition challenging the validity of their court-martial sentences. The order underscored the constitutional guarantees under Article 9 and Article 10-A, affirming every citizen’s right to life and a fair trial. As a result, the court decreed that the death sentences would not be executed until the petition was fully heard.
Additionally, the court has mandated that the Chief of Naval Staff submit a detailed position in a sealed envelope within three weeks.
The petitioners contend that they were denied legal representation during their court-martial proceedings and were not granted access to pertinent inquiry documents and evidence. Their subsequent appeals and requests for review of the death sentence verdicts were also summarily dismissed.
During the proceedings, the Assistant Attorney General informed the court that the disclosure of these documents is restricted by the authority of the Chief of Naval Staff, citing potential risks to state interests.
The court has subsequently requested a written explanation from the Chief of Naval Staff on why access to these documents is considered detrimental to state interests. The case is scheduled to resume on July 1st for further deliberations.
