The United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have voiced serious concerns regarding the fairness and transparency of the military court trials of PTI workers convicted in connection with the May 9 incidents in Pakistan.
On December 21, military courts handed down prison sentences ranging from two to ten years to 25 PTI workers accused of orchestrating politically motivated attacks on military installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ). The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) described these events as a “dark chapter in Pakistan’s history” and alleged they were acts of “political terrorism.”
UK Calls for Adherence to Fair Trial Principles
A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office emphasized that while the UK respects Pakistan’s sovereignty and refrains from interfering in its judicial matters, the trials by military courts “lack transparency and independent scrutiny, undermining the right to a fair trial.” The UK urged Pakistan to fulfill its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
US Highlights Concerns Over Judicial Independence
The US State Department also expressed reservations, underscoring potential violations of due process and human rights in the military court trials.
“These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees,” the department stated, urging Pakistani authorities to uphold the constitutional right to a fair trial.
EU Criticizes Sentences Under Military Courts
On December 22, the European Union added its voice, condemning the military court convictions as inconsistent with Pakistan’s commitments under the ICCPR.
“These verdicts contradict the obligations Pakistan has undertaken under the ICCPR,” said Anouar El Anouni, a spokesperson for EU foreign affairs and security policy.
The EU also highlighted Pakistan’s obligations under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), a special trade arrangement that requires compliance with 27 international conventions, including the ICCPR. The EU reiterated the ICCPR’s guarantees of fair, impartial, and public trials, along with the right to effective legal representation.
International Calls for Transparency and Reform
The coordinated statements from the US, UK, and EU highlight growing international scrutiny of Pakistan’s handling of politically charged cases through military courts. These developments have reignited debates over the balance between national security and fundamental human rights in Pakistan.
