US, UK, and EU Criticize Pakistan's Military Court Sentences for Civilians

Concerns grow over lack of transparency and judicial independence in trials of 25 civilians linked to 2023 protests following Imran Khan's arrest.

The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union have condemned Pakistan's military court convictions of 25 civilians for their involvement in May 2023 protests, citing violations of fair trial standards.
The military court sentenced civilians to prison terms ranging from two to ten years, prompting international criticism over judicial transparency and due process guarantees.
The protests erupted after former Prime Minister Imran Khan's arrest, during which demonstrators attacked military installations; Khan remains jailed on various charges, which he claims are politically motivated.
The EU warned that Pakistan's actions may conflict with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and could jeopardize its preferential trade status under the GSP+ program.
Pakistan's government defended the military trials, asserting they comply with national and international laws, while critics, including human rights groups, argue such trials undermine fundamental rights.