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Military Trials in Pakistan: Global Criticism & Trade Risks

US, UK, and EU Condemn Pakistan’s Use of Military Courts for Civilians: Why It’s Crucial for Pakistan’s Future
Military Trials in Pakistan

Military Trials in Pakistan: Pakistan’s recent use of military courts to convict civilians has drawn strong condemnation from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union (EU). This international backlash could severely affect Pakistan’s political and economic future, especially concerning its trade agreements. Notably, the EU has warned that Pakistan could be jeopardizing its preferential trade status under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which could substantially decrease exports.

The International Response: A Unified Critique of Military Trials

Military Trials in Pakistan: The US was the first to voice concern over the sentencing of 25 civilians by military courts in Pakistan. According to the State Department’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, the trials were criticized for lacking “judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees.” He further emphasized the importance of ensuring that Pakistan’s civilians are tried under fair conditions, advocating for adherence to international human rights standards.

The European Union quickly followed suit, expressing deep concern over the verdicts. The EU raised alarms about Pakistan’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). This treaty obliges member states to give their citizens the right to a fair and public trial. The EU’s statement also suggested that Pakistan’s preferential trade status under GSP+ might be at risk if it fails to meet its international obligations, particularly human rights-related ones.

What Led to the Military Trials in Pakistan?

Military Trials in Pakistan: The recent military trials are a consequence of the violent unrest that followed the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023. His arrest sparked widespread protests by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party supporters, leading to the targeting of key government and military installations, including military headquarters in Rawalpindi and the residence of a senior military official in Lahore. Following Khan’s release, many PTI members were arrested, and 105 individuals were referred to military courts. These military tribunals have now resulted in the conviction of 25 civilians, many of whom have been handed lengthy prison sentences.

The military has defended these proceedings, asserting that they were conducted in accordance with due process. However, critics argue that military trials lack the transparency of civilian courts and do not guarantee the same level of legal protection for the accused.

Pakistan’s Response: Defending the Use of Military Courts

Military Trials in Pakistan: In response to international criticism, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained that its judicial system, including its use of military courts, aligns with its constitutional framework. A spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, emphasized that Pakistan would continue to make domestic legal decisions independently, without external influence. The Foreign Office further insisted that the country’s legal system fully complies with international human rights law, including the ICCPR.

Pakistan has also made it clear that it will engage with international partners, including the EU, to uphold human rights and address concerns of discrimination or double standards in enforcing international law.

The GSP+ Status and Its Importance to Pakistan’s Economy

The GSP+ scheme is a vital trade agreement for Pakistan, granting the country duty-free access to European markets. This preferential status is contingent upon Pakistan’s adherence to 27 international conventions, including the ICCPR, which guarantees civil and political rights. Failure to comply with these conventions can jeopardize Pakistan’s status, potentially leading to the imposition of tariffs on its exports.

The EU has made it clear that Pakistan’s use of military courts to try civilians could undermine the country’s standing under GSP+. A loss of this status could result in a significant decline in Pakistani exports, particularly textiles and clothing, which constitute the bulk of Pakistan’s trade with the EU. Experts suggest that Pakistan could reduce its exports by up to 20-30% if its GSP+ status is revoked.

Pakistan’s Economic Future and the Potential Risks

Military Trials in Pakistan: The consequences of losing GSP+ status would be felt most acutely in the textile and garment sectors, which account for over 70% of Pakistan’s exports to the EU. Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail warned that a reduction in exports could devastate Pakistan’s fragile economy. The GSP+ status is essential for Pakistan’s access to European markets, and losing it could limit the country’s ability to attract foreign investment.

Furthermore, Pakistan’s political instability and failure to engage diplomatically with the US, UK, and EU could result in Pakistan’s exclusion from key international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This exclusion would further exacerbate Pakistan’s economic challenges, particularly as it faces mounting debt and a currency crisis.

Military Trials and Political Fragmentation in Pakistan

The military trials have also been viewed as part of a larger crackdown against PTI, which has been ongoing since the party ousted Imran Khan in 2022. The political climate in Pakistan remains highly fragmented, with the military playing a central role in shaping the country’s governance. Critics argue that the use of military courts for civilians only deepens political divisions and further isolates Pakistan on the international stage.

Political figures like Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail have argued that civilian courts should have been used to handle these cases, as they would have provided greater transparency and public scrutiny. The use of military courts, although constitutionally allowed, raises serious concerns regarding protecting fundamental rights.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Pakistan?

Military Trials in Pakistan: Pakistan faces significant challenges in balancing its domestic political interests with its international obligations. The ongoing use of military courts for civilians may strain Pakistan’s relationship with the West, jeopardizing its GSP+ status and the associated economic benefits. As the country navigates these tensions, the government must engage with international partners and reconsider using military courts for civilian cases.

The international community’s concerns are not just about human rights but also profoundly linked to Pakistan’s economic future. If Pakistan fails to address these issues, it may risk isolating itself from key global institutions and losing access to crucial trade privileges, further exacerbating its economic challenges.

Source: Aljazeera

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