The United States and the United Kingdom have voiced significant concern regarding the recent convictions of 25 civilian supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan by Pakistani military courts, stemming from their alleged participation in riots last year.
These convictions have also drawn criticism from the European Union and local human rights advocates.
A statement from the State Department on Monday expressed, “The United States is profoundly troubled that Pakistani civilians have been sentenced by a military tribunal for their roles in the protests on May 9, 2023. These military courts are characterized by a lack of judicial independence, transparency, and due process protections.”
The U.S. urged Pakistan to honor the principles of a fair trial and due process.
In a similar vein, the UK Foreign Office remarked that “while the UK acknowledges Pakistan’s sovereignty in its legal matters, the trial of civilians in military courts is devoid of transparency and independent oversight, thereby compromising the right to a fair trial. We urge the Government of Pakistan to fulfill its commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
These remarks were made in the context of the unrest that followed Khan’s arrest in Islamabad in May 2023.
Khan was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022 and subsequently convicted of corruption, receiving a sentence in August 2023.
Since that time, he has remained incarcerated, while his popular opposition party is engaged in discussions with the government regarding his potential release.
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