A Pakistani military court has sentenced 60 civilians to prison terms ranging from two to 10 years for their involvement in attacks on military installations following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in May 2023. The verdict, announced on Thursday, December 26, comes days later. after 25 others were convicted on similar charges.
Among those convicted are a relative of Imran Khan and two retired military officers. The arrests and subsequent trials follow nationwide protests that erupted after Khan’s detention last year, with his supporters attacking military facilities in an unprecedented show of defiance against the country’s powerful military.
In a statement, the military’s media wing stressed: “The nation, government and armed forces remain steadfast in their commitment to uphold justice and ensure that the inviolable power of the state is upheld.”
The convictions have raised concerns among Khan’s supporters about the increasing role of military courts in cases related to the former prime minister, who faces multiple charges, including charges of inciting violence against the armed forces.
The international reactions to the verdicts were critical. The United States expressed “deep concern” about the trials, while the British Foreign Office highlighted issues of transparency and said that prosecuting civilians in military courts “lacks independent oversight and undermines the right to a fair trial.”
The European Union has also condemned the procedure, arguing that it contradicts Pakistan’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Responding to criticism, Pakistan’s information minister defended the military court processes at a press conference on Wednesday, saying defendants had access to legal representation, the right to family visits and appeals in both military and civilian courts.
Imran Khan’s supporters insist the cases are politically motivated. Khan himself has repeatedly dismissed the charges against him as part of a broader effort to sideline him politically.
The military and government have denied any allegations of bias or unfair treatment in the ongoing legal proceedings.
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