The United States has voiced concern regarding the conviction of 25 civilians by military tribunals in Pakistan, critiquing the lack of judicial independence, transparency, and adherence to due process within these courts.
In a statement released Tuesday, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the ongoing US calls for Pakistan to uphold the constitutional rights to a fair trial and due process.
Recently, a military court in Pakistan sentenced 25 individuals for their roles in attacks on state installations during the intense protests of May 9, 2023. These protests erupted following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan over allegations of corruption, leading to widespread unrest and the detention of numerous party supporters.
The United States is concerned by the sentencing of Pakistani civilians in a military tribunal and calls upon Pakistani authorities to respect the right to a fair trial and due process.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) December 23, 2024PTI has denied any involvement in the attacks targeting military facilities, including an assault on the General Headquarters (GHQ), and has demanded a judicial inquiry into the events.
The military court’s decision has garnered attention from the United Kingdom and the European Union. The UK urged Pakistan to uphold its commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), emphasizing the shortcomings in military court operations. A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office representative noted how these courts diminish the right to a fair trial while still acknowledging Pakistan’s sovereignty in judicial matters.
UK government response to sentencing of 25 civilians in military courts in Pakistan. https://t.co/fwEFchMZCz
— UK in Pakistan 🇬🇧🇵🇰 (@ukinpakistan) December 23, 2024Read: Pakistan’s Military Courts Sentence 25 for May 9 State Installation Attacks
The EU promptly voiced concerns regarding the military court’s verdicts, indicating they are at odds with Pakistan’s obligations under the ICCPR. The European External Action Service statement emphasized that every individual has the right to a fair and public hearing conducted by a competent, impartial, and independent court and access to effective legal representation.
The trial and punishment of 25 innocent Pakistani civilians in illegal kangaroo military courts on bogus charges is shocking and deplorable.
As a signatory to various human rights conventions, Pakistan is blatantly violating its commitments. Military dictator Asim Munir has… pic.twitter.com/nCSKubaJ7J
— L. Morgan 🆇 (@PGTAnalytics) December 22, 2024Furthermore, the EU reminded that under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), beneficiary countries like Pakistan have agreed to effectively implement 27 international conventions, including the ICCPR, to maintain their GSP+ status.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram also recognized the legitimacy of the EU’s concerns, indicating that the ongoing use of military courts for civilian trials could jeopardize Pakistan’s diplomatic relations and its preferential trade status with the EU.
