Axed Pak Army commando opposed to ‘Lal Masjid’ operation still denied justice

ISLAMABAD - A Pakistan Army commando, who had allegedly opposed the Lal Masjid operation in 2007 and was subsequently court-martialled, is seeking the help of Chief Justice of Pakistan for justice.

Lance Havaldar Ghulam Ahmad, along with Sepoy Shahid Shehzad, was arrested for allegedly opposing the Lal Masjid operation on May 2, 2007, two months before it was launched.

They were kept in solitary detention for 15 months before they were court-martialled in August 2008, with the Pak military court sentencing Ahmad to 14-year rigorous imprisonment and Shehzad to seven years.

In an application sent to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Ahmad said has said that the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Branch of the Pakistan Army has also refused them copies of the verdicts, considering it as “prejudicial to the safety and interests of the State”.

Ahmad also claims that he has been denied the right of appeal in superior courts.

“The applicant wants to challenge the controversial verdict of unjustified punishment delivered by Field General Court Martial before the honourable High Court, but JAG Department of GHQ has denied the copy of proceedings and judgment,” The News quoted Ahmad’s application, as saying.

According to reports, Ahmad was averse to the idea of the operation and informally discussed his thoughts with colleagues. As the word travelled to the Zarar Company chief, he was taken into custody, allegedly tortured and detained in Attock Fort. (ANI)