Pakistan's military courts have sentenced an additional 60 civilians for their involvement in unrest following former Prime Minister Imran Khan's arrest last year, the armed forces announced Thursday. The convictions have drawn renewed criticism from international observers over the military's opaque judicial processes.

Khan, ousted from office in 2022, was arrested in May 2023 on graft charges, sparking widespread protests across the country, some of which targeted military installations. The military, which has wielded significant influence in Pakistan’s governance for decades, announced last year that civilians accused of attacking military facilities would be tried in court-martials closed to the public.

The first 25 convictions, revealed on Saturday, drew condemnation from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. Critics argue the military trials lack transparency, independence, and adherence to due process.

“These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated.

On Thursday, the military announced that court-martials had concluded, bringing the total number of convictions to 85. The sentenced individuals received terms ranging from two to ten years of "rigorous imprisonment." However, the military did not specify the charges against them, disclosing only the locations where the alleged offenses occurred.

"The nation, government, and armed forces remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the inviolable writ of the state," the military said in a statement.

Among those convicted was Khan's nephew, who received a 10-year prison sentence, according to Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. In a statement shared by his legal team, Khan criticized the trials, claiming they undermined citizens’ fundamental rights.

International Concerns

The UK government voiced concerns earlier this week, stating that convicting civilians in military courts undermines transparency and the right to a fair trial. Similarly, the European Union accused Pakistan of violating international obligations by not ensuring public legal judgments.

In response, Pakistan's foreign ministry dismissed the criticism, asserting that the country's constitution and legal system are capable of resolving internal matters.

Khan’s Ongoing Legal Battles

Khan, a former cricket star who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, was ousted through a parliamentary no-confidence vote. His arrest in May 2023 triggered a wave of political unrest. Although he was initially released after a few days, he was re-arrested in August and remains in custody, facing multiple court cases he alleges are politically motivated.

The 72-year-old has been barred from contesting elections, including the February 2024 polls, which have been marred by allegations of irregularities.

In the wake of the unrest, the PTI has faced a sweeping crackdown, with thousands of supporters and party leaders detained. A coalition of parties perceived as close to the military establishment has since formed the new government.