The United States and the United Kingdom have expressed serious concern over the recent convictions of 25 civilian supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan by Pakistan’s military courts. These individuals were sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to ten years for their alleged roles in the violent protests that erupted on May 9, 2023, following Khan’s arrest in Islamabad. The unrest targeted key military installations, including military headquarters in Rawalpindi, an airbase in Mianwali, and a building housing state-run Radio Pakistan in the northwest.
Imran Khan, removed from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022, was convicted of corruption and sentenced to prison in August 2023. His imprisonment sparked widespread protests and unrest, culminating in the violent clashes of May 9, when Khan’s supporters confronted law enforcement and military personnel.
On Monday, the Pakistani military announced the convictions, framing the sentences as a “stark reminder” to the public about the consequences of taking the law into their own hands. The military emphasized its commitment to maintaining order and upholding the rule of law. However, Khan’s opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), strongly criticized the use of military courts for trying civilians, arguing that such cases should be handled by civilian courts to ensure transparency and adherence to fair trial standards.
The U.K. Foreign Office also raised concerns, acknowledging Pakistan’s sovereignty but highlighting the lack of transparency and independent scrutiny in military trials of civilians. It argued that such proceedings undermine the right to a fair trial and called on Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees fundamental rights, including due process.
Similarly, the U.S. State Department expressed deep concern over the military convictions. It emphasized that military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and essential safeguards for fair trials. The U.S. urged Pakistan to respect international human rights standards and ensure due process.
Despite these international criticisms, there has been no official response from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government. However, state-run Pakistan Television reported public support for the convictions, particularly for sentences handed down to individuals who attacked military installations. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the government’s stance, accusing Khan’s party of hiring foreign lobbying groups to discredit Pakistan’s legal system.
The sentencing of civilians by military courts has drawn significant international scrutiny, with observers emphasizing the need for transparency, fairness, and adherence to international legal standards. The developments have underscored ongoing tensions within Pakistan’s political landscape and raised questions about the country’s commitment to upholding fundamental human rights.