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Islamabad martial law lands in court

Court sought explanation from the defence ministry, the interior ministry and the Cabinet secretaries

Islamabad: Pakistan government’s decision to call the Army for security in Islamabad was on Monday challenged in a court. “The court served notices to defence ministry, law ministry and Cabinet secretaries and sought explanation before August 6,” a court official said.

The petition was filed against the decision of the government to invoke Article 245 of the Constitution in Islamabad. The petitioner stated that Army was not given powers under Article 245 in conflict areas, adding that the imposition in federal capital will weaken the writ of the government.

Such a decision can only be taken if the civil government fails to maintain law and order, he said.

Calling it a “mini-marshal law,” the petitioner requested the court to declare the decision as null and void. The IHC chief justice said that the verdict cannot be issued since the government notification was not presented in the court.

Meanwhile, the court sought explanation from the defence ministry, the interior ministry and the Cabinet secretaries. It also stated that the hearing would be held on daily basis after August 6. Then, it ordered to present the notification copy during the next hearing.

( Source : dc )
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