Following the lead of the European Union and the United Kingdom, the United States has voiced deep concerns regarding Pakistan’s military trials of civilians. The US State Department stated that these military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and adherence to due process. It condemned the sentencing of Pakistani citizens by military tribunals for their involvement in the May 9, 2023, protests.
The US has urged Pakistan to respect the constitutional right to a fair trial. The Pakistani Foreign Office has yet to respond to these international statements.
UK Calls for Transparency and Fair Trials
The United Kingdom also expressed reservations about the military court decisions. In response to the sentencing of 25 individuals linked to the May 9 protests, the British Foreign Office stated that the trials lacked transparency and fairness.
The UK emphasized its respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty but underscored that trying civilians in military courts undermines the principles of independent scrutiny and fair trials. It further called on Pakistan to fulfill its international obligations concerning political and civil rights.
EU Highlights International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
The European Union echoed similar concerns, pointing out that the military trials appear to conflict with Pakistan’s commitments under the ICCPR. The EU highlighted Article 14 of the covenant, which guarantees the right to a fair, public trial by an impartial and competent tribunal, along with effective legal representation.
The EU spokesperson also emphasized the requirement for criminal decisions to be made public to ensure transparency and accountability.
