A worthwhile report on Pakistan's military court history and current issue

Muhammad Usman, Sohail Amjad & Muhammad Imran Khan, Judicial Boundaries: Understanding the Scope of Military Courts in the Pakistani Legal Framework, 4 Qlantic J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 355 (Summer 2023). The authors conclude:

The historical presence of military courts in Pakistan is not a novel phenomenon; however, it is one that has consistently evoked scrutiny and discussion. In the annals of Pakistan's legal history, instances of military court establishment have occurred, with the higher judiciary steadfastly playing its role as a guardian of justice. Throughout this evolution, the bedrock principles of the separation of powers have stood tall, upheld by the judiciary through landmark judgments that echo the importance of a balanced and independent legal system. The crux of the matter lies in the enduring concept of the separation of powers, a principle enshrined in the constitutional fabric of Pakistan. The judiciary, through its jurisprudential wisdom, has consistently upheld this principle, emphasizing the delicate equilibrium between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The foundational doctrines of the basic structure, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary have been revered as guiding principles, serving as cornerstones in the edifice of Pakistan's legal framework. Despite the historical] underpinnings of military courts and their intermittent establishment, a critical evaluation of these institutions raises pertinent questions. The judiciary, in its role as the guardian of justice, has, through landmark judgments, delineated the contours of fundamental rights, the independence of the judiciary, and the sacrosanct concept of a fair trial. In the wake of these principles, the establishment of military courts appears, at times, as an irrational departure from the foundational tenets that underscore the legal system. The ongoing discourse surrounding the establishment of military courts demands a careful and  thorough examination of their compatibility with the constitutional ethos. While acknowledging the imperatives of national security, it becomes imperative to reconcile the exercise of military jurisdiction with the overarching principles that safeguard individual rights and ensure the integrity of the legal system. In conclusion, the establishment of military courts in Pakistan, though not an unprecedented measure, stands at a crossroads where the principles of justice, separation of powers, and the rule of law converge. The judiciary, with its storied legacy, continues to play a pivotal role in upholding the constitutional values that form the bedrock of Pakistan's legal system. The path forward requires a judicious balance—one that acknowledges the demands of security without compromising the fundamental rights and principles that define the nation's commitment to justice and the rule of law. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, the delicate equilibrium between military courts and established legal principles remains a dynamic arena, demanding continued vigilance and scholarly engagement.