Islamabad High Court suspends execution of five ex-Pakistan navy officers

The Islamabad High Court has issued a stay on the execution of five former Pakistan Navy officers, who had been sentenced to death by a military court over their alleged involvement in the 2014 Navy Dockyard attack. This ruling came after the officers claimed they were denied legal assistance and access to crucial documents during the court-martial process, as reported by Dawn News.

Judge Babar Sattar of the IHC issued the written order on Tuesday, following the officers' plea that they were not given the necessary legal support during their general court-martial.

The Navy Tribunal had found the officers guilty and sentenced them in 2016. The attack, which took place in Karachi, was claimed by the banned militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The initial assault resulted in the deaths of two militants and one Navy personnel, while four attackers were apprehended, according to the Pakistan Navy.

The petitioners' lawyers argued that critical documents, such as evidence and the court of inquiry, were withheld from their clients, impacting their defence. They also stated that their appeal against the death sentences was dismissed without full access to these documents.

The Assistant Attorney General stressed that the Naval Chief's discretion under Rule 193 of the Pakistan Navy Rules justified withholding these documents to protect state interests. The court has given three weeks for the naval chief's reasoning to be submitted and adjourned the case until July 1.