Military courts sentence 60 more civilians for May 9 riots
Pakistan’s military courts have sentenced an additional 60 civilians to prison terms for their involvement in the violent attacks on military installations during the May 9, 2023 riots. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the verdicts on Thursday, marking another chapter in the ongoing judicial process following the nationwide unrest.
Among those convicted is Hassan Niazi, nephew of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who received a 10-year prison sentence. The convicted individuals were found guilty of participating in violent attacks on significant military and government facilities, including:
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- The Corps Commander House in Lahore
- The General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi
- The ISI office in Faisalabad
- Bannu Cantt and other critical installations
The ISPR emphasized that the sentences were determined after thorough examination of evidence, adherence to due process, and ensuring all legal rights of the accused. It further clarified that the convicts retain the legal right to appeal their sentences, as guaranteed under Pakistani law.
The sentencing has drawn international scrutiny, particularly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union (EU). These nations raised concerns about the use of military courts to try civilians, citing issues of transparency, judicial independence, and fair trial guarantees.
The United States has voiced significant apprehension regarding the use of military courts in Pakistan for civilian trials. The State Department emphasized that such courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees, which are fundamental to fair trials. It urged Pakistan to respect the fair trial rights enshrined in its Constitution, reinforcing the need for adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law.
The United Kingdom also expressed concern through a statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCO). It underscored that trying civilians in military courts undermines independent scrutiny and weakens the integrity of judicial proceedings. The FCO called on Pakistan to honor its commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a key international framework ensuring justice and human rights.
Similarly, the European Union reiterated its unease over recent convictions by military courts, deeming them inconsistent with Pakistan’s obligations to ensure fair and public trials. The EU further connected this issue to Pakistan’s commitments under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) program, which requires compliance with 27 international conventions, including the ICCPR. These concerns reflect broader international scrutiny of Pakistan’s judicial practices and their alignment with global standards.
In response to the international backlash, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) defended the military court proceedings, asserting that the trials were conducted in accordance with laws passed by Parliament and upheld by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated, “Pakistan is fully committed to upholding all its international human rights obligations.”
The ISPR also reported that cases against nine additional individuals involved in the May 9 unrest have been concluded. The military’s media wing reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice and safeguarding the state’s authority. “The nation, government, and armed forces remain resolute in their commitment to upholding the inviolable authority of the state,” the statement declared.
The latest verdicts follow the sentencing of 25 civilians earlier this month for their roles in the May 9 riots. The nationwide protests erupted after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, leading to widespread violence and attacks on military and government facilities. These incidents marked a significant challenge to state authority and sparked a contentious debate on the use of military courts to try civilians.
Govt welcomes May 9 Convictions, urges military trials for mastermind and accomplices
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar on Thursday praised the convictions of individuals involved in the May 9 attacks on sensitive installations, including Lahore’s Jinnah House and the PAF Airbase in Mianwali. He termed the military court rulings against 60 individuals a milestone in ensuring justice and national security, attributing the violence to a “nefarious conspiracy masterminded by the PTI founder.” Tarar highlighted the thorough legal process, noting that the accused were given access to legal counsel, case records, and appeals, ensuring compliance with constitutional and international standards.
Tarar condemned the attacks as deliberate efforts to damage symbols of national pride and defense, supported by irrefutable evidence like video footage. He criticized PTI for attempting to weaken the country through foreign lobbying and misinformation campaigns, asserting that such efforts would fail. Emphasizing the importance of accountability, he called for military trials for the masterminds behind the violence and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice, progress, and the protection of Pakistan’s institutions.
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