WASHINGTON -UNS: The United States has expressed “deep concern” over the conviction of 25 civilians in a military tribunal in Pakistan, claiming the military courts lacked judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees.
In a brief statement issued on Tuesday, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the Washington continued to call on Pakistani authorities to “respect” the right to a fair trial and due process, as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
In a major development, the military court last week sentenced 25 individuals involved in the attacks on state installations during the violent protests of May 9, 2023.
The notorious and violent protests, over which the political workers are jailed, broke out after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was taken into custody in a graft case. In turn, scores of party workers were arrested and more than 100 civilians are facing military trials.
However, the party maintained that it had no role in the incidents involving military installations, including the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ), and has called for a judicial probe into last year’s events.
The conviction of civilians in a military court drew reactions from the United Kingdom and the European Union as well.
The UK urged the federal government to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
“Military courts lack transparency, independent scrutiny and undermine the right to a fair trial,” a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said in a statement issued on Monday.
