SC stays release of 68 terror suspects convicted by military courts

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the release of 68 terror suspects, suspending a Peshawar High Court verdict setting aside their convictions that had been awarded by military courts.

The Peshawar High Court had earlier declared void the convictions of the said suspects in terrorism-related cases, and ordered their release.

A Supreme Court bench today heard an appeal challenging the high court’s judgment.

During the hearing, the additional attorney general argued that the Peshawar High Court did not examine the facts properly. He contended that the suspects were involved in serious crimes, including terrorism.

He pleaded the court to restore the sentences awarded by the military courts to the suspects in question.

Staying implementation of the high court’s order, the Supreme Court barred the jail superintendents from releasing the suspects. It then adjourned the hearing for an indefinite time.