ISLAMABAD: The European Union, USA and UK have noted with concern the sentencing of 25 civilians by a military court on 21 December in Pakistan.
EU statement reads as ; These verdicts are seen as inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (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 judgement rendered in a criminal case shall be made public.
Under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), beneficiary countries, including Pakistan, have voluntarily agreed to implement effectively 27 international core conventions – including the ICCPR – in order to continue benefitting from GSP+ status.
On the Sentencing of 25 Civilians in a Pakistani Military Tribunal
The United States is deeply concerned that Pakistani civilians have been sentenced by a military tribunal for their involvement in protests on May 9, 2023. These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees.
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.
A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:
While the UK respects Pakistan’s sovereignty over its own legal proceedings, trying civilians in military courts lacks transparency, independent scrutiny and undermines the right to a fair trial. We call on the Government of Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
ISLAMABAD: The European Union, USA and UK have noted with concern the sentencing of 25 civilians by a military court on 21 December in Pakistan.
