In response to Imran Khan‘s arrest, Pakistan’s military authorities have sentenced 60 more citizens to jail for their alleged role in the violent May 9, 2023 riots that precise military installations and other services.
According to announcements from the military’s Inter-Services Public Relations ( ISPR ), this brings the total number of convictions related to the unrest to 85.
Among those sentenced is Hassan Niazi, Khan’s brother, who received a 10-year jail term for his alleged role in the assault on the Lahore Corps Commander’s property, also known as Jinnah House.
Beliefs and constitutional procedure
The Field General Court Martial issued the words, according to the ISPR, after reviewing the evidence and ensuring expected method. ” Film to the news of the May 9 punishments… the Field General Court Martial has promulgated the consequences to the following remaining 60 suspects after examining all information, ensuring the provision of all legal rights to the prisoners, completion of expected process, and the appropriate legal trials”, the ISPR announced.
The defendants are sentenced to demanding prison lasting between two and ten years. They have the right to appeal the selections under Pakistan’s Constitution.
May 9 Riots and fallout
Imran Khan’s imprisonment in a fraud case led to the erupting turmoil on May 9. Supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ( PTI ) party allegedly attacked key military installations, including the Army General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore, and an ISI office in Faisalabad.
In response, authorities detained hundreds of individuals, and 103 were handed over to military authorities for trial, sparking widespread condemnation of the transparent judicial process.
International uproar
The views have drawn strong rebukes from foreign companies, including the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union. The use of military authorities to prosecute citizens is argued by critics as a threat to judicial independence and accountability.
” These military authorities lack criminal freedom, accountability, and due process offers”, the US State Department said. Similarly, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCO ) criticized the lack of transparency and independent oversight in the trials, emphasizing the importance of adhering to fair trial standards under international law.
The European Union expressed concern over Pakistan’s actions, which are in conflict with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ( ICCPR ) and commitments to the GSP+ trade program.
Pakistan’s answer
The Supreme Court’s decision, which gave the military the right to start trialing residents involved in the riots, has been defended by the Pakistani government. The Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to international human rights standards, claiming that the trials were conducted in accordance with federal regulations.
The ISPR emphasized that the views show the government’s commitment to upholding fairness and maintaining the state’s power, saying,” The Nation, Government, and Armed Forces remain firm in their commitment to upholding fairness and ensuring that the inviolable summons of the condition is maintained.”
