Peshawar High Court upholds military court sentences

The Peshawar High Court has rejected all appeals against sentences given by military courts. A two-judge panel, led by Justice Naeem Anwar, reviewed 29 petitions challenging these military court decisions. They concluded that the sentences will only take effect from the date they are signed by the Field General Court Martial. During the proceedings, lawyers representing the petitioners claimed that their clients had already spent time in military custody and should be released according to the law. This law allows time served to count towards their sentences. However, the Additional Attorney General, Sanaaullah, explained to the court that because of special laws, the convicted individuals could not benefit from a specific provision that offers early release. He noted that these individuals are considered terrorists and are not eligible for leniency. The Additional Attorney General also pointed out that earlier decisions from larger panels of the Peshawar High Court confirmed this stance. He asserted that the sentences relate to special laws, and the High Court's role is to ensure compliance with military court regulations.