UK condemns Pakistan’s Military Courts for Sentencing Civilians

The UK, US and EU have criticised Pakistan’s military courts for convicting civilian supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

UK Condemn Pakistan Military Court’s Sentencing of Civilians F

"trying civilians in military courts lacks transparency"

In December 2024, the UK, US and EU criticised Pakistan’s military courts over the sentencing of 25 civilian supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The sentences were over their alleged connection with riots and attacks on military facilities in 2023.

In May 2023, violence erupted across Pakistan when paramilitary forces arrested Khan in Islamabad. This was after he was ousted through a no-confidence vote in 2022.

On May 9, 2023, demonstrators attacked the headquarters of the Pakistani military in Rawalpindi.

They also stormed an air base in Mianwali, located in the eastern Punjab province, in addition to setting fire to a building housing the state-run Radio Pakistan in the northwest.

A Pakistani military court sentenced the civilians to periods between two and 10 years.

It has been reported that at least 14 of those charged received a 10-year prison sentence.

The Pakistani army positioned the sentences as a “stark reminder” for people never to take the law into their own hands.

A UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said:

“While the UK respects Pakistan’s sovereignty over its own legal proceedings, trying civilians in military courts lacks transparency, independent scrutiny and undermines the right to a fair trial.

“We call on the Government of Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

The US State Department asserted:

“These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees.

“The United States continues to call on Pakistani authorities to respect the right to a fair trial and due process, as enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution.”

The EU expressed “concern” over the sentencing.

It was highlighted that the verdicts appear “inconsistent with the obligations Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)”.

On December 23, 2024, Pakistan’s Foreign Office insisted that Pakistan’s legal system “guarantees promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms”.

The Foreign Office maintained the legal system was consistent with “international human rights law”, including provisions of the ICCPR.

In November 2024, the UN Human Rights Committee urged the Pakistani government to review legislation concerning military courts and revoke its jurisdiction over civilians.

The Pakistani government maintains that its constitution allows civilians to be tried in military courts. This practice was upheld even during Khan’s tenure as prime minister between 2018 and 2022.

Military trials are frequently criticised for their lack of transparency and secrecy.

While defendants are entitled to legal representation, these courts lack the public scrutiny characteristic of civilian trials.

Imran Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), considers the military trials part of a broader, two-year crackdown against them.

The PTI leader was rearrested in August 2023. He remains jailed on charges including sedition and terrorism linked to the May 9 riots.

This is among dozens of other cases against him. The military denies allegations of targeting the PTI.

Protests have continued since the ousting, arrest and imprisonment of Khan. Tensions between protesters and government officials continue.

Somia is our content editor and writer who has a focus on lifestyle and social stigmas. She enjoys exploring controversial topics. Her motto is: "It's better to regret what you have done than what you haven't."




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