By Barrister Usman Ali, Ph.D.
The United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have recently expressed concerns about the trial and sentencing of 25 civilians in military courts in Pakistan. These individuals were convicted for attacking military installations during the riots on May 9, 2023. It is worth noting that these riots witnessed large-scale incidents of political agitation, violence, and arson at several locations. The hypocrisy of these nations is not limited to their global actions but extends to their treatment of their own populations. These countries have perpetuated severe discrimination and human rights violations internally, undermining their moral authority to criticize others.
In the United States, systemic racism has been a long-standing issue, with widespread racial discrimination evident in law enforcement, the judiciary, and society at large. The killings of unarmed Black individuals by police have triggered protests and highlighted deep-seated racial inequalities. Similarly, the United Kingdom has a troubling history of racism, particularly against its migrant and minority communities, who often face social, economic, and institutional discrimination.
These nations also employ harsh measures to suppress dissent and riots, including the use of expedited courts and disproportionate punishments. For instance, during the 2011 London riots, British courts processed cases at an extraordinary speed and handed out severe sentences, which were widely criticized as excessive. Yet, these same countries now express outrage over Pakistan’s military court decisions while conveniently ignoring their own practices that bypass normal judicial proceedings during periods of unrest. The Guantanamo Bay detention center is a glaring example of America’s disregard for human rights. Individuals were held there for years without trial, subjected to torture and inhumane treatment, and denied access to fair trials. Instead of being confined in regular prisons, detainees were placed in a facility designed to operate outside the bounds of international law, shielding perpetrators of torture from accountability.
Such blatant double standards undermine the credibility of their claims to uphold human rights. These nations criticize Pakistan over riots and military court convictions but disregard their own histories of violations. Before lecturing others, they must confront their internal and external injustices and take responsibility for their actions. Only then can their advocacy for human rights carry genuine weight. The hypocrisy of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union is evident in their selective concern over human rights violations. Recently, they expressed outrage over the sentencing of 25 individuals by Pakistan’s military courts, alleging human rights abuses. These individuals were involved in attacks on military installations—acts that no sovereign nation would tolerate. Yet, these Western powers have a long history of committing or supporting serious human rights violations both domestically and globally.
For example, under the pretext of searching for weapons of mass destruction, the United States, the United Kingdom, and their allies invaded Iraq, resulting in the deaths of millions and leaving the country in ruins. They waged a two-decade-long war in Afghanistan, destroying infrastructure and claiming countless innocent lives. Their interventions in Syria and Libya, under the guise of promoting democracy, led to devastating civil wars that destabilized entire regions. Most disturbingly, they remain indifferent to the ongoing atrocities in Palestine, where over 40,000 innocent children, women, and elderly individuals have been killed. Despite clear genocide and war crimes against Palestinians, these nations continue to unconditionally support Israel, ignoring the immense suffering of the oppressed. Such double standards expose the selective nature of their human rights narrative. Before criticizing others, these nations must hold themselves accountable and address the blood of millions of innocent lives on their hands. Until they confront their own actions, their claims of advocating for human rights will remain hollow and hypocritical.
The matter of sentencing civilians through military courts in Pakistan raises legitimate concerns about democracy and the rule of law. Ideally, such cases should be handled by civilian courts to ensure transparency and adherence to democratic principles. However, the reality in Pakistan is far more complex. The judiciary is either influenced by political pressures or operates under constant threats, making it difficult for civilian courts to handle high-profile, organized attacks. The attacks on military installations were not spontaneous but part of a systematically planned assault on the national defense infrastructure. Under existing laws, such cases fall within the jurisdiction of military courts, which are specifically designed to address crimes against military installations and personnel.
It is important to note that military courts have been used in the past to convict individuals. During Imran Khan’s tenure, several people were sentenced through military courts, and many are still in prison today. However, there was no significant reaction from the international community at that time. This selective concern raises questions about the motives of these nations, who are now expressing outrage. The issue appears to be less about human rights and more about pursuing an international agenda against Pakistan, particularly targeting its strategic assets like its nuclear program. Western powers have long sought to undermine Pakistan’s sovereignty and defensive capabilities under various pretexts, and this situation seems no different. While the use of military courts for civilian trials should not become a norm, the international criticism of Pakistan reflects a double standard. Nations that claim to champion human rights must first address their systemic issues and historical injustices before criticizing others. Constructive support for strengthening Pakistan’s judicial system and democracy would be far more effective than pursuing geopolitical agendas.
Instead of introspecting, these countries consistently interfere in the affairs of other nations and assert their dominance over global matters. However, they must remember that Pakistan is a sovereign nation. Although Pakistan faces terrorism, extremism, political division, and numerous external and internal challenges—largely due to the actions of these very powers—it is fully capable of resolving its internal issues. The Pakistani nation is well aware of how to address its challenges. While our problems exist, the Pakistani people should condemn such interventions instead of welcoming them, as today one country is criticized, tomorrow it will be another, and these powers will continue to divide us, exploit our resources, and use us for their own interests. Pakistan will undoubtedly ensure justice during the trials of civilians in military courts.