Islamabad (TDI): To address Concerns over the military courts’ sentencing of civilians, the government has planned to approach the international community and clarify the reality of the legal procedures and the right of appeal.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, the prime minister’s coordinator, said on Monday while he was asked about the issue while apearing on Aaj News Programme, Spotlight with Munizae Jahangir.
“The government will approach them [European Union, United States, and United Kingdom] if there is any misunderstanding,” he said.
He said that the government will take up [the matter] with them and inform them how matters are run in Paskistan as people sentenced by military courts have the right of appeal, he added.
Read More: US Concerned Over Sentencing of Pakistanis by Military Courts
The international community and the International Court of Jurists have expressed concerns over the sentencing of 85 civilians by a military court in Pakistan. They were being awarded jail terms for being involved in May 9 events when violent protesters vandalised state buildings and military installations after former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested in a graft case in Islamabad.
According to the TV report, while the UK and EU called on Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the block also warned the country of
the repercussions of such decisions on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status which allows the South Asian country to enjoy duty-free or minimum duty on exports to the European market.
Military Courts and Verdicts
Last week, the Inter-Services Public Relations announced that the military courts have handed down jail terms to at least 25 people who were involved in the May 9 events. After some days, 60 more suspects were awarded jail terms.
Also Read: Military Courts Sentence 25 May 9 Rioters: ISPR
The military’s media wing has altready said that the punishments to the 25 accused were sentenced after examining all evidence, affording all legal rights to the accused and completing “due process”.
While issuing names of the suspects, it added that the promulgation of the sentences of the remaining accused would be announced “shortly” as and when the due process is complete.
