The Supreme Court in Pakistan raised concerns about trying civilians under the Army Act, where several judges question its constitutional validity during a high -profile consultation.

A seven-member constitutional bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard final arguments from Khawaja Haris, the Ministry of Defense, Friday in a case that challenged the military trial against civilians.

The case follows the May 9 -attack on military installations where several civilians were indicted under military laws, Express News reported.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan said the army’s action was originally intended to apply for armed forces members. “If civilians were to be included, it should have been explicitly mentioned,” he noted.

Justice Musarrat Hilali called the 1973 Constitution “strong and clear” and added that the military’s legal framework seems to be joining forces with it. “The purpose was to maintain discipline in strengths. It is not intended for civilians,” she said.

Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi questioned the process of choosing cases for military courts. “If a civilian attacks a military place, how is it related to the army law?” He asked.

In response, Haris claimed that military courts were constitutionally approved, which operated in both wartime and peacetime and secured rights rights.

Justice Jamal Mandokhail, in the meantime, noticed: “Let’s not risk seeking resolution for one action and inviting problems for another.”

The court acknowledged that several statutory provisions from Pakistan’s former martial arts were rolled back through constitutional changes, yet military legal provisions remained intact.

The consultation was postponed until April 28.