The spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, defended the verdicts of military courts that sentenced civilians involved in the May 9 riots. She explained that the trials were conducted under a law passed by Pakistan’s Parliament and followed the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Her comments came after the US State Department raised concerns about civilians being tried in military courts. Last week, 25 people were given prison sentences ranging from two to ten years for attacking military sites during the May 2023 riots.
The militaryβs media wing praised the verdicts, calling them an important step in justice. In response to criticism from the US, EU, and UK about fair trial rights, Baloch emphasized that Pakistan’s legal system follows international human rights laws, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). She also affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to human rights, democracy, and rule of law.
