KARACHI: EU’s European External Action Service, commenting on the Pakistani Military Courts’ conviction of 25 individuals nabbed in connection with the 9th May riots, has maintained: “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.”

EU, expressing its concern over Military Courts’ sentencing, held that the verdicts were seen as inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has agreed to under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). It is pertinent to mention here that under the GSP+, Pakistan and other beneficiary countries have voluntarily undertook to implement effectively 27 international core conventions — including the ICCPR — in order to continue benefiting from GSP+ status.

The conviction was objected by United Kingdom on the grounds that trial of civilians in military courts lacked transparency. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office of UK stated: “While 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 ICCPR”.

Newspakistan.tv