Concerned by sentencing of Pakistani civilians in a military tribunal: US
US and EU Concerned Over Sentencing in Pakistan's Military Court
The United States has raised concerns about the sentencing of 25 individuals by a military court in Islamabad, Pakistan. These individuals were found guilty of targeting army installations. US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of fair trials and due process in a statement on Monday.
The European Union also expressed similar concerns, highlighting that the sentencing contradicts Pakistan's commitment to fair and public trials. The EU's European External Action Service noted that the military court's decision is inconsistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Pakistan is obligated to uphold.
The individuals were sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to ten years following protests that erupted after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in May of the previous year. The Pakistan military described these protests as politically provoked violence and emphasized the need to prevent such acts of political terrorism.
The EU's statement also mentioned the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which allows Pakistan to export goods to the EU market at zero duties for a significant portion of tariff lines. This status is contingent on Pakistan's adherence to 27 international conventions, including those on human rights and good governance.
Since joining the GSP+ in 2014, Pakistan has increased its exports to the EU by 65%, making the European market a crucial destination for Pakistani goods.
Doubts Revealed
US
US stands for the United States, which is a country in North America. It is one of the world's most powerful countries and often gets involved in international matters.
EU
EU stands for the European Union, which is a group of 27 countries in Europe that work together on economic and political issues.
Military Court
A military court is a special court that deals with cases related to the armed forces. In Pakistan, it can try civilians for certain offenses, especially those related to national security.
Pakistan
Pakistan is a country in South Asia, neighboring India. It has a large population and its own government and military.
State Department
The US State Department is a part of the US government that handles international relations and foreign affairs.
Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+)
GSP+ is a special trade program by the EU that allows certain countries to export goods to EU countries with reduced tariffs, making it cheaper and easier for them to sell their products.
Imran Khan
Imran Khan is a famous politician in Pakistan who was the Prime Minister. He was also a well-known cricket player before entering politics.
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