UK Urges Pakistan to Uphold International Fair Trial Standards
The United Kingdom has expressed concerns over Pakistan’s recent military court convictions, urging the federal government to honor its commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
A spokesperson from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office stated that “military courts lack transparency, independent scrutiny, and undermine the right to a fair trial.” Despite these concerns, the UK reiterated its respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty in handling legal proceedings.
Military Court Sentences Spark International Criticism
Military courts in Pakistan recently sentenced 25 individuals involved in the May 9, 2023, protests to prison terms ranging from two to ten years. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that these convictions were part of the first phase of legal actions against those accused of attacking state installations.
The convictions have drawn criticism from various quarters, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the European Union (EU). PTI has maintained its innocence, calling for an independent judicial probe into the events, including the attack on military installations such as the General Headquarters (GHQ).
EU Highlights ICCPR Obligations
A day earlier, the European Union also raised objections to the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of adhering to ICCPR commitments. According to a statement by the European External Action Service:
- Article 14 of the ICCPR guarantees the right to a fair, public, and impartial trial.
- It also mandates that judgments in criminal cases should be publicly disclosed.
The EU underscored that Pakistan, as a beneficiary of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), has voluntarily committed to implementing 27 core international conventions, including the ICCPR, to retain its trade privileges under the scheme.
Background on the May 9 Events
The May 9 protests erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a graft case. The demonstrations quickly escalated into violence, with attacks on military installations and state properties. While over 100 civilians are reportedly facing military trials, PTI has denied involvement and called for justice through transparent legal proceedings.
As the global community continues to scrutinize these developments, the spotlight remains on Pakistan’s legal processes and its adherence to international standards.