Pakistan, December 24, 2024: A Pakistani military court sentenced 25 civilians to rigorous imprisonment ranging from two to ten years for their involvement in attacks on military facilities during protests in 2023, the military’s media wing announced on Saturday.
The sentencing follows the May 9, 2023, protests, during which thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan stormed military installations and torched a general’s house, resulting in at least eight deaths. The protests erupted after Khan’s arrest by paramilitary forces.
The military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) described the court’s decisions as a significant milestone in delivering justice. However, concerns have been raised domestically and internationally.
US Criticism
The United States voiced concerns over the sentencing, emphasizing the lack of judicial independence, transparency, and due process in military tribunals. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “The United States is deeply concerned that Pakistani civilians have been sentenced by a military tribunal for their involvement in protests on May 9, 2023. These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees.”
The rulings come amid fears from Imran Khan’s supporters that military courts could increasingly target civilians, particularly those aligned with Khan, who is already facing multiple charges, including allegedly inciting violence against the armed forces.
Summary: Pakistan’s military court sentenced 25 civilians to imprisonment for their roles in the May 2023 violence following Imran Khan’s arrest. The United States criticized the process, citing concerns about judicial independence and transparency.