The United Kingdom and the United States joined the European Union on Monday in voicing concerns over the military court sentences handed to those involved in the May 9 incidents, emphasizing the lack of transparency in such trials and urging Pakistan to adhere to its international legal obligations.
A spokesperson from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office stated, “While the UK respects Pakistan’s sovereignty over its legal processes, the trial of civilians in military courts lacks transparency, independent oversight, and undermines the right to a fair trial.” The statement followed the announcement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) that military courts had sentenced at least 25 individuals involved in the May 9 protests.
The U.S. State Department also expressed its concern, stating, “Washington is deeply concerned that Pakistani civilians have been sentenced by a military tribunal for their involvement in the May 9, 2023 protests.”
The ISPR clarified that the sentences were delivered after reviewing all evidence, ensuring the accused received their legal rights, and completing “due process.” The military further indicated that sentences for the remaining suspects would be announced shortly once their due process concluded.
The European Union had issued a statement the previous day, affirming that every individual is entitled to a fair and public trial in a competent, independent, and impartial court, with the right to effective legal representation, as stipulated in Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The EU also warned of potential consequences for Pakistan’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status, which provides the country with duty-free or low-duty access to the European market.
The UK had previously responded to the military trial of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in November, after a letter from British MP Kim Johnson, at the request of Khan’s adviser Zulfikar Bukhari. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy indicated that there were no indications from Pakistani authorities about plans to try Khan in a military court.
Imran Khan had earlier expressed concerns about the possibility of a military trial, especially following amendments to the Army Act and the arrest of former spymaster Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed, who was formally indicted for “engaging in political activities” earlier this month.
The UK reiterated its call for Pakistan to uphold its commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. “We urge the Government of Pakistan to comply with its obligations under international law,” the statement concluded.
