Global Criticism of Pakistan’s Civilian Convictions in Military Courts: Economic and Political Implications

International news section  25-12-2024

The conviction of 25 civilians by military courts in Pakistan has sparked international criticism, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union (EU) raising concerns about the lack of judicial independence, transparency, and due process.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed the U.S.’s apprehension, urging Pakistan to uphold fair trial standards. Similarly, the EU highlighted potential violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), warning that such actions might jeopardize Pakistan’s preferential trade benefits under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).

The military trials relate to the unrest that erupted after former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest in May 2023. Supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party attacked government and military properties during nationwide riots. While Khan was released within days, numerous PTI members faced arrests, and 105 individuals were referred to military courts for their alleged involvement in the violence.

By December 2023, 25 individuals had been sentenced, including 14 receiving 10-year prison terms. Pakistan’s military maintained that the trials adhered to due process, but international and local observers have criticized the secrecy and limited transparency of such proceedings.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that domestic political and judicial decisions are governed by the country’s constitution rather than external influences. The ministry reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to human rights and international law, affirming ongoing engagement with global partners like the EU.

The EU’s GSP+ programme provides duty-free access to European markets for eligible nations that comply with 27 international conventions, including the ICCPR. Pakistan, a major beneficiary of this scheme, risks losing preferential trade status if it fails to uphold these commitments.

In 2023, over 78 percent of Pakistan’s exports to the EU, valued at approximately €4 billion ($4.2 billion), benefited from GSP+. The majority of these exports were textiles, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy. Experts warn that losing GSP+ could reduce exports by up to 30 percent, compounding the nation’s economic challenges.

Economic experts caution that Pakistan’s current political instability, marked by fragmented governance and contentious decisions like military trials for civilians, may further isolate the country internationally. Haroon Sharif, a former investment board chair, emphasized the influence of global powers such as the EU, UK, and US on critical financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

With Pakistan relying on a $7 billion IMF loan, maintaining favorable relations with international stakeholders is essential. Sharif warned that political turmoil and inadequate global engagement could lead to severe economic repercussions.

Critics within Pakistan, including former Prime Ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail, advocate for greater transparency by utilizing civilian courts for such cases. They urge the government to diplomatically address concerns raised by the US, UK, and EU to preserve crucial trade and economic benefits.

To navigate this volatile situation, Pakistan must adopt a pragmatic and professional approach, fostering constructive dialogue with international partners while stabilizing its domestic political landscape. Failure to act decisively risks further economic shocks and diminished global standing.