Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch defended recent verdicts issued by military courts against civilians involved in the May 9 riots, stating that the trials were carried out “according to a law enacted by Parliament of Pakistan” and were in line with the Supreme Court ruling.
His comments came hours after the US State Department expressed concern about the trial of civilians by military courts.
Last week, 25 civilians were sentenced to prison terms of between two and ten years for their role in violent attacks on military installations during the May 2023 national unrest.
The verdicts were hailed by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), as “a major milestone in the administration of justice”.
Responding to international criticism, including from the United States, the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom, which called for respect for the right to a fair trial and due process, Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to human rights. .
He highlighted that Pakistan’s legal system is in accordance with international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and provides remedies through judicial review by higher courts.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to international human rights obligations and the principles of democracy, rule of law and human rights. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to implementing its obligations under the GSP Plus scheme and core international human rights conventions.
This statement reflects Pakistan’s position that the trials were conducted in accordance with its legal framework and international obligations, despite international calls for transparency and compliance with fair trial standards.
