WASHINGTON: After the European Union and the British government, the United States of America has also expressed its concerns about the recent sentencing of civilians by military courts in Pakistan.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller at a press briefing said Pakistan was supposed to adhere to constitutional obligations and international commitments for fair and transparent trials of its citizens.
The military’s media wing a few days ago announced that 25 supporters of the PTI had been sentenced to imprisonment ranging from two to 10 years for their involvement in the May 9, 2023, attacks on military installations in different parts of the country.
The European Union was the first to express concerns about the development and said that Pakistan was signitary to a number of international conventions and was bound to ensure fair and transparent trials of its citizens. It also said that the grant of special status to access European markets also bound Pakistan to follow civilian rights.
The US State Department spokesman today said that authorities in Pakistan should respect and follow the constitutional obligations for fair trials and rights of prisoners.
He said that the US had always advocated and worked with different countries to ensure rule of law and human rights. The trial by military courts lack transparency to ensure dispensation of justice.
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