PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram on Wednesday criticized Information Minister Attaullah Tarar for advocating trial of civilians in military courts, stating that the trials “tarnished Pakistan’s democratic and constitutional image across the world.” “.
Twenty-five PTI activists were sentenced to rigorous prison terms of between two and ten years by a military court for their involvement in the May 9, 2023 riots, the military’s media wing said on December 21.
The United Kingdom said on Monday that the trial of civilians in military courts “lacks transparency”, while the European Union expressed concern, stating that “these verdicts are considered incompatible with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”. ”.
During a press conference today, the Minister of Information maintained that the military will prosecute those who attack military installations, even if they are civilians.
Responding to foreign criticism, Tarar said the prosecution of civilians in military courts in Pakistan follows a legal process established by parliament. He maintained that the Supreme Court’s orders guarantee fair trials with the right to a lawyer, access to family members, records and appeals.
In a written statement posted on PTI’s official X account, Akram termed Tarar’s press conference as “a collection of lies and superstitions”, adding that “no serious statement can be expected” from the current administration.
“Advocating military courts is this government’s only means of survival,” Akram wrote. “They have the blood stains of the Constitution and democracy on their sleeve and they know that they are no longer worthy of facing the people.”
The PTI information secretary added that the military courts had “tarnished Pakistan’s democratic and constitutional image across the world.”
“To save their politics, these people [the PML-N] “We have sold the constitution, the law, democracy, the fundamental rights of the people and even of future generations,” he added.
Addressing Tarar, Akram asked him to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, as well as allegations of voter fraud in the February general election.
Later on Wednesday, Akram uploaded a video statement to X, where he welcomed international scrutiny of the military trials, mentioning the US, UK and EU by name.
“The international community is talking about this, but Pakistan is not the only country criticized for human rights violations that have taken place,” he said, emphasizing that the United States was a “historical partner” of Pakistan.
“If something happens here, people will talk. The PTI cannot close anyone’s mouth or prevent them from speaking,” he added.
Citing the example of incoming US special envoy Richard Grennell, one of many political actors calling for Imran’s release, Akram said the international community “believes in human rights and democracy” and maintained that this criticism “does not “should be treated as foreign interference.” .
“PTI as a party is grateful for those who defend human rights and uphold the rule of law,” Akram said, concluding his statement.
