December 24, 2024: A Pakistani military court has sentenced 25 civilians to prison terms ranging from two to 10 years for their involvement in attacks on military facilities during protests following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in May 2023. The ruling, announced on Saturday, underscores the continuing legal challenges surrounding the violent unrest that erupted after Khan's detention by paramilitary forces.
The court's decision relates to the widespread unrest on May 9, 2023, when thousands of Khan's supporters stormed military installations, attacked military personnel, and set fire to a general’s house. The violence resulted in at least eight fatalities and widespread damage to military property.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan’s military, hailed the sentencing as an "important milestone in the dispensation of justice" for the nation. However, the move has sparked significant controversy, particularly among supporters of Khan, who view the military courts as an increasingly central figure in the ongoing legal battles against the former leader.
Khan, who remains imprisoned and faces multiple charges, including allegedly inciting violence against the military, has long been a central figure in Pakistan's political turbulence. His supporters argue that military courts are being used to suppress dissent and bypass civilian judicial oversight.
Internationally, the sentencing has drawn criticism, particularly from the United States. On Monday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed concern over the use of military tribunals for civilian cases. “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,” Miller stated, emphasizing the lack of judicial independence, transparency, and guarantees of due process in military trials.
As Pakistan navigates its complex political and legal landscape, the role of military courts and their impact on civilian rights continue to raise alarm both domestically and internationally. The situation remains tense, with many questioning the future of judicial independence in Pakistan.