The United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union have raised strong objections in the wake of the 25 civilians being convicted in military rule by military courts in Pakistan. They highlighted on the major concerns regarding the lack of judicial independence, transparency, and due process in military court proceedings.
The US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller quoted in the statements on Tuesday asking the Pakistani authorities to uphold the constitutional right to a fair trial and due process. This is regarding the harsh sentencing meted out by the military court to individuals whose populating of the violent protests of May 9 was triggered by the arrest of Imran Khan founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-in a corruption-related case. It has now been reported that more than 100 civilians are being subjected to military trials for their alleged involvement in attacks against state installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ).
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The ambush, however, has been denied by the PTI and demanded an independent judicial inquiry.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also expressed its concern with regard to this, encouraging Pakistan to fulfill its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. For this reason, the FCDO spokesperson said that military courts are not fit to be anything transparent or have independent oversight, which contradicts the right to a fair trial. However, he respects Pakistan’s sovereignty in its legal matters.
The EU has already been the first all to express great concern over the matter, arguing that the convictions violate the commitments of Pakistan under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The European External Action Service further emphasized the need for fair public trial and the provision of adequate legal representation before courts that are independent and impartial. In another development, the EU also added that it had to accept the provisions of at least 27 international conventions including the ICCPR by Pakistan in order for that country to retain the preferential trade access under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
Perceiving the statement issued by the EU, the spokesperson of Pakistan’s Foreign Office Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the concerns of the government are being reviewed. She reiterated that internal matters are supposed to be resolved through Pakistan’s constitutional and judicial systems.