A Pakistani military court has sentenced 60 civilians to prison terms ranging from two to ten years, all linked to attacks on military facilities following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2023.
Among those sentenced on Thursday are a relative of Khan and two retired military officers. This follows the sentencing of 25 others on similar charges last week.
In a statement, Pakistan’s military’s media wing, the ISPR, emphasized that the government, the nation, and the armed forces are committed to maintaining justice and the authority of the state, asserting that the military trials have concluded.
Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023, triggered widespread protests across the country, during which demonstrators attacked and damaged military installations in an unprecedented backlash against Pakistan’s influential army. The army has ruled the country directly at different times and continues to hold significant power.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Khan, confirmed that his nephew was among the convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison.
Khan has criticized the military court trials, stating that they violate fundamental citizens’ rights, as quoted by his party on social media.
The sentencing has raised alarms, particularly among Khan’s supporters, who worry that military courts will play an even larger role in cases related to the former prime minister. Khan is facing multiple charges, including accusations of inciting attacks on the armed forces.
Internationally, there has been strong criticism. The United States expressed “deep concern,” while the United Kingdom criticized the lack of transparency in military trials, noting that they undermine the right to a fair trial. The European Union also criticized the sentences, saying they violate Pakistan’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
In response, Pakistan’s information minister defended the military trials, stating that defendants are provided legal representation and family access, and can appeal both within the military court and the relevant civilian high court.
Khan and his supporters have denied the charges, calling them politically motivated. The military and government have rejected claims of unfair treatment.
While Khan’s initial detention in May 2023 was brief, he was re-arrested in August and remains imprisoned as he faces numerous legal challenges. In February, he was barred from running in the upcoming elections, which have been marred by allegations of rigging. Following the unrest, the PTI faced a large-scale crackdown, with thousands of party members and supporters arrested, while a new government closely aligned with the military emerged.
