US, UK say military trials of PTI workers ‘lack transparency’

The United States and the United Kingdom raised concerns over the assurance of justice and fairness in the military court trials of PTI workers in May 9 cases. Their statements follow similar reservations expressed by the European Union regarding the lack of transparency in such trials.

According to the British Foreign Office spokesperson, A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office stated that while the UK respects Pakistan's sovereignty over legal matters and does not interfere in its judicial process, the trial and sentencing of civilians by military courts “lack transparency, independent scrutiny, which undermines the right to a fair trial.”

The UK further urged Pakistan to adhere to its commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

On December 21, military courts convicted  25 PTI workers involved in the May 9 riots and announced prison sentences ranging from two to ten years.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), these individuals were involved in politically motivated attacks on military installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ). 

The ISPR had described the incidents as a “dark chapter in Pakistan’s history”, and alleged they were orchestrated acts of political terrorism. 

After a prolonged silence on Pakistan's political situation, the US State Department also issued a statement expressing its concerns over the military trials of PTI protesters, highlighting potential violations of due process and human rights.

“[...] These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees,” the statement read.

“The United States continues to call on Pakistani authorities to respect the right to a fair trial and due process, as enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution,” it added. 

On December 22, European Union expressed concerns over the sentences announced by Pakistan’s military courts on December 21 for the 25 individuals convicted for their involvement in the violence during the protest that erupted on May 9, 2023.

“These verdicts are seen as inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),” Anouar El Anouni, a spokesperson for EU foreign affairs and security policy, said in a statement.

Moreover, the EU reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in that Pakistan is a beneficiary of a special trade agreement and has voluntarily committed to implement 27 international conventions, including the ICCPR.

“In line with article 14 of ICCPR, every person is entitled to a fair and public trial in a court that is independent, impartial and competent, and has the right to adequate and effective legal representation. It also stipulates that any judgment rendered in a criminal case shall be made public.”