Military courts in Pakistan have handed prison terms to 60 additional civilians for their involvement in the May 9 riots, which targeted military installations across the country. Among those convicted is Hassan Niazi, nephew of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who received a 10-year sentence. These trials have drawn significant attention, sparking international criticism over the use of military courts for civilians.
Convictions for Violent Attacks
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the latest convictions, stating that these individuals were involved in violent attacks on key sites, including Lahore’s Corps Commander House, the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, and ISI offices in Faisalabad. The attacks occurred during widespread unrest following the arrest of Imran Khan.
Those convicted retain the right to appeal under Pakistani law. The military also completed proceedings against nine additional individuals involved in the May 9 incidents.
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International Criticism of Military Trials
The sentencing of civilians by military courts has sparked concerns from international organizations and governments. The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union (EU) have all expressed reservations about the transparency and fairness of these trials.
The U.S. State Department criticized the use of military courts, stating that they lack judicial independence and due process guarantees. The U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCO) echoed these concerns, calling for Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The EU also highlighted that the trials conflict with Pakistan’s commitments under international conventions. As a beneficiary of the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), Pakistan is required to adhere to 27 international core conventions, including the ICCPR, to maintain its trade benefits.
Pakistan’s Response to Global Concerns
In response to international criticism, Pakistan’s Foreign Office defended the military court proceedings. It clarified that the verdicts align with laws passed by Parliament and the Supreme Court’s directives.
“Pakistan remains fully committed to upholding all its international human rights obligations,” stated Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
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