SC’s stay order was a barrier to the trial of the May 9 perpetrators under the Army Act: Senator Irfan Siddiqui

ISLAMABAD, August 21 (SABAH): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui said on Wednesday that the Supreme Court’s stay order was a barrier to the trial of the May 9 perpetrators under the Army Act.

“It (stay order) has been eight months since the Supreme Court directed that no one should be punished without its permission,” Senator Irfan Siddiqui said who also heads Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Talking to a private TV, the Senator referred to recent riots in the UK and said that the incident took place on July 29, and within a month, trials were completed and hundreds of people have been sentenced. “British courts are open 24 hours, whereas our courts are on holiday,” the Senator said.

Irfan Siddiqui said that Faiz Hameed was being tried under the same Army Act that was applied to try more than two dozen people and three of them were also awarded death sentences during Imran Khan’s tenure.

“Talking about open trials were never discussed at that time, but today the talk of open trials by Imran khan was merely for distraction,” he said.

In response to a question, Senator Irfan Siddiqui said that whoever Faiz Hameed names will be brought to justice. He referred to the ISPR press release, and said that one case against Faiz Hameed is related to Top City, but the other logically seems to be connected to May 9 as well.

 During the trial, when evidence is presented and inquiries are made, actions against others will also expand based on their responses, he added.

Irfan Siddiqui said that May 9 was an attack on the state, is a very serious matter, and the responsibility for maintaining the state’s authority falls on the shoulders of all institutions, including the judiciary.

Pakistan’s history includes many conspiracies, such as those involving Akbar Khan, Bhutto, and Zia, but May 9 was the first conspiracy that was half successful, he added.

“This conspiracy had three phases: Faiz Hameed’s personal enmity was obvious against the appointment of General Asim Munir as Army Chief, he said.

In order to block the appointment, initially the records of his family was leaked, and then May 9 was executed to create turmoil within the army and incite a rebellion to overturn the leadership, he said.

Irfan Siddiqui stated that Imran Khan has already admitted to May 9; now he should stop being cowardly and act to be brave, and openly admit his actions.

Regarding former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, Siddiqui said that he was involved in facilitating the conviction of Nawaz Sharif among other matters.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has dealt with many such figures including Saqib Nisar and Ata Bandial, he added.

On the question of his arrest under tenancy laws, Irfan Siddiqui revealed that General Faiz Hameed had him arrested because he refused to meet him at his office and safe house due to eye surgery.

Talking about rumors of a technocrat government, Irfan Siddiqui mentioned that it is rare to find a Prime Minister like Shehbaz Sharif, who works with genuine concern for the country and strong determination. “If anyone has a solution, they should present it,” he said.

The PML-N sacrificed politics and saved Pakistan from default, brought the  inflation to its lowest level in three years, cut interest rates. The hard work is bearing fruits and there is visible improvements in foreign exchange, IT exports, and remittances, Pakistan’s economic indicators are continually improving.

Regarding the verbal exchanges between the Chief Ministers of Sindh and Punjab, he said that minor issues in politics don’t matter much.

He said if Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has provided relief of 45 billion rupees by cutting developmental budget, other provinces should also provide relief to their people by creating fiscal space.

He said that there was no such issue that poses a threat to the government. The government will continue and complete its term.

In response to another question, Irfan Siddiqui described Maulana Fazlur Rehman as a very astute politician who always keeps a vent open even if doors and windows are closed.