US joins EU and UK in expressing concern over Pakistan’s sentencing of civilians in military courts

After the EU and the UK, the U.S. has expressed concern over the sentencing of Pakistani civilians in military courts for their alleged involvement in riots last May, during which protesters attacked key military installations.

"The United States is deeply concerned that Pakistani civilians have been sentenced by a military tribunal for their involvement in protests on May 9, 2023," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement Tuesday. "These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees," he added.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expresses concern over Pakistan's decision to sentence civilians in military courtsTwitter

Last week, Pakistan’s military courts sentenced 25 civilians to prison terms ranging from two to 10 years, sparking international criticism. Opponents of the trials argue they bypass the normal judicial system, undermining due process.

The UK government also condemned the trials on Monday. "While the UK respects Pakistan’s sovereignty over its own legal proceedings, trying civilians in military courts lacks transparency, independent scrutiny, and undermines the right to a fair trial," a Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office spokesperson said. "We call on the Government of Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."

Earlier, the EU expressed similar concerns, stating the trials violated Pakistan’s obligations under Article 14 of the ICCPR, which guarantees the right to a fair and public trial.

Trial was lawful: Pakistani official

In response, a senior Pakistani government official defended the trials, stating they were conducted within the legal framework of the Constitution. "The statement issued by the European Union overlooks several key facts," the official told Nukta. "The trial was conducted strictly according to the law. There was no illegality in the process."

The official also emphasized that the defendants have the right to appeal at three levels: under the Army Act, through the High Court to review the trial’s legality, and finally to the Supreme Court.

What happened on May 9?

Violent riots erupted across Pakistan on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Protesters attacked military installations and destroyed property at several key sites, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, Jinnah House in Lahore, Pakistan Airforce Base in Mianwali, and military centers in Mardan. The attacks included the desecration of monuments honoring fallen soldiers (Shuhada).

The Supreme Court recently upheld the military’s jurisdiction to try civilians involved in the riots. The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), defended the sentences as a warning against political violence and future attacks on military sites.

In addition to the military court trials, anti-terrorism courts across Pakistan are handling cases against political leaders and others implicated in the riots.