Imran Khan’s military trial is becoming more evident by the day, says Khawaja Asif

"Evidence against PTI founder points to military trial: Khawaja Asif.  
Gen Faiz sought PML-N support for army chief position.  
Minister reveals former spy chief promised loyalty, made guarantees.

As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan faces multiple legal battles, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that it is becoming increasingly evident that the former prime minister is likely to face a military trial.

Speaking to a private news channel on Saturday, Asif said, "Evidence against PTI’s founder points towards a military trial," noting that military trials have occurred in the past and will continue in the future.

These comments follow Imran Khan’s petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking to prevent a military trial over his alleged involvement in the May 9 riots, where military installations were targeted. Khan’s plea was challenged by the IHC registrar’s office for lacking specific first information reports (FIRs) and relevant documentation, especially as the issue of military trials remains under review by the Supreme Court.

Khan's party, PTI, has dismissed the possibility of a military trial for its leader, even as speculation grows.

In December 2023, the Supreme Court suspended its earlier ruling, which had declared the military trials of civilians linked to the May 9 events null and void. The decision came after appeals from the federal and provincial governments, with the military court trials now contingent on the Supreme Court’s final verdict.

Asif also reflected on the May 9 protests, questioning why Khan directed his supporters to demonstrate outside military installations. He suggested the attacks on military sites were not spontaneous but orchestrated.

"Gen Faiz sought PML-N support for army chief position"
Turning to former ISI chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid, who has been arrested on charges of land grabbing, Asif claimed that Faiz approached the PML-N leadership in a bid to secure support for becoming army chief. "General Faiz was on the list for army chief and contacted the PML-N, assuring them of his loyalty," Asif said, adding that Faiz offered certain guarantees.

After being passed over for the position, Asif noted that Faiz’s frustrations grew, and he believes Faiz might now shift the blame for his actions onto Khan.

"Both Faiz and Khan sought to take over the country after losing power, but they failed to create dissent within the military," Asif concluded."