ISLAMABAD: Following the European Union’s response, the United Kingdom (UK) government has also reacted to sentencing of 25 civilians in military courts in Pakistan.

While responding to development, A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said that the UK respects Pakistan’s sovereignty over its own legal proceedings, trying civilians in military courts lacks transparency, independent scrutiny and undermines the right to a fair trial.

“We call on the Government of Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”, the spokesperson added.

EU strongly reacts to conviction of civilians by military court

On Sunday, the European Union (EU) had noted with concern the sentencing of twenty-five civilians by a military court on 21 December in Pakistan.

These verdicts are seen as inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

In line with article 14 of ICCPR every person is entitled to a fair and public trial in a court that is independent, impartial and competent, and has the right to adequate and effective legal representation. It also stipulates that any judgement rendered in a criminal case shall be made public, the EU statement read.

Under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), beneficiary countries, including Pakistan, have voluntarily agreed to implement effectively 27 international core conventions – including the ICCPR – in order to continue benefitting from GSP+ status.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024