Human Rights Watch (HRW) Calls on Pakistan to Cease Civilian Trials in Military Courts

 Rights Group Denounces Violation of International Law as Dozens of Supporters of ex-PM Imran Khan Face Military Trials

 

Leading rights group calls on Pakistan to halt the practice of trying civilians in military courts, emphasizing that it violates the country's international legal obligations. The Pakistani government plans to transfer dozens of individuals accused of attacking military installations during recent protests to army courts following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. In response, Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a statement asserting that there is no justification for trying these cases in military courts when civilian courts are fully functional.

HRW's Associate Asia Director, Patricia Gossman, emphasized that while the government has a responsibility to prosecute those engaged in violence, it must be done through independent and impartial civilian courts. Gossman expressed concern over Pakistan's military courts, which employ secret procedures that deny due process rights and should not be utilized for prosecuting civilians, even in cases involving crimes against the military.

HRW's statement was released shortly after Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah suggested that Khan himself could face trial in a military court for allegedly orchestrating the attacks on the army during the protests in May. Sanaullah asserted that Khan's involvement in planning and executing the incidents warranted military court proceedings, claiming that the government possessed evidence to support the accusation.

The political crisis in Pakistan, which originated last year when Khan was ousted from power through a no-confidence vote, has escalated in recent months, with Khan demanding early elections and the government rejecting the proposal. The government has filed over 100 cases against Khan, who perceives it as a political conspiracy orchestrated by the government and the military to hinder him and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party from participating in the upcoming national elections.

Amidst a nationwide government crackdown, thousands of PTI supporters, including prominent journalists, have been arrested, and several party leaders, including former federal ministers, have resigned. Initially, the government stated that all those arrested would face military court trials, leading to outrage from the PTI and human rights groups. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later clarified that only individuals accused of attacking army properties would be subjected to such trials under the Army Act and Official Secrets Act.

As of now, at least 45 Pakistani nationals have been handed over to the military for trial. HRW criticized the government's decision, calling for the immediate release of individuals arrested solely based on their political affiliation. The rights organization highlighted the lack of independence of Pakistan's military court judges, who are serving officials and not separate from the government. HRW emphasized that strengthening civilian courts and upholding the rule of law would be a more effective and powerful response to violence.