The UK government has expressed concern regarding the sentencing of 25 civilians by military courts in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for transparency and independent oversight in such trials.
In a statement from the UK Foreign Office, while respecting Pakistan’s sovereignty, it underscored that military court proceedings risk undermining civilians’ right to a fair trial. The statement urged Pakistan to honor its commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Read more: Lawyers reject civilian military trials.
Earlier, the European Union (EU) also criticized these verdicts, calling them unjust and inconsistent with the ICCPR. The EU emphasized that Article 14 of the treaty ensures the right to a fair and public trial by independent and competent courts with openly delivered judgments.
The EU also reminded Pakistan of its obligations under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), a trade incentive program tied to adherence to 27 international conventions, including the ICCPR.
On December 20, Pakistan’s military courts sentenced 25 individuals involved in the May 9 incidents to rigorous imprisonment ranging from 2 to 10 years. These individuals were accused of anti-state actions and were subsequently tried and convicted in military courts.
The international reactions highlight concerns over Pakistan’s adherence to global human rights standards and its commitments under international treaties and trade agreements.
