The European Union voiced deep concern on Sunday over the recent convictions of 25 civilians by a Pakistani military court, calling the verdicts inconsistent with Pakistan’s obligations to uphold fair trials. The EU’s reaction followed the December 21 sentencing, which saw the civilians imprisoned for terms ranging from two to ten years for their involvement in attacks on military installations during the violent protests sparked by the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in May 2023.
The EU statement stressed that Pakistan, under international law, is bound to ensure that all individuals receive a “fair and public” trial. Pakistan’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) mandate that trials be held in impartial, competent courts with the right to proper legal representation. The EU highlighted that the military court verdicts appeared to breach these obligations, urging Pakistan to align its legal practices with international human rights standards.
The military’s justification for the convictions described the May 9 events as politically driven violence and arson, painting them as attempts to impose political will through force. However, the EU’s concerns also pointed to the broader implications of such verdicts, warning that non-compliance with international legal standards could threaten Pakistan’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status with the EU.
GSP+ benefits, which have been crucial to Pakistan’s export success, depend on the country’s adherence to key international conventions, including human rights and governance standards. A loss of this status could severely impact Pakistan’s trade with the EU, its largest trading partner.
Legal experts in Pakistan have also expressed alarm, citing violations of both national and international laws. Former Attorney General Tariq Mahmood Khokhar emphasized that the trial of civilians in military courts is unconstitutional, a stance echoed by prominent civil society lawyers. Faisal Siddiqi, who represented those affected, described the convictions as a “tragic reminder” of past military rule and a breach of legal assurances previously given to the Supreme Court.
As the legal and diplomatic fallout continues, Pakistan faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law, both domestically and in its international relations.
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