Military Trials of Civilians
May 9th: Alleged False Flag Operation
Since May 9, 2023, Pakistan has faced global criticism for trying civilians in military courts. That day, protests broke out following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. In response, over 100 civilians—including political activists and peaceful demonstrators—were abducted and prosecuted under the Pakistan Army Act. It is widely believed the violence that occurred was part of a false flag operation planned by the military to justify arrests and silence dissent. Evidence suggests the attacks on military sites may have been staged by the military to target opposition figures and suppress democratic activism through fear.
PHOTO: Water-cannon pouring water to disperse civilians protesting against the arrest of their leader, in Lahore, Pakistan, May 9, 2023.
Abduction, Torture, and Detention Without Trial
Families of detainees have shared harrowing accounts of enforced disappearances, torture, and months of incommunicado detention. Many prisoners are still held without access to legal representation, formal charges, or any public evidence. Military courts in these cases operate without transparency, deny fair trial rights, and remain under the control of the armed forces—undermining the principle of judicial independence. Some civilians have already been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, despite no verifiable evidence being presented.
PHOTO: Campaign poster by families of those abducted and kept in military prisons
Legal Backlash and Constitutional Controversy
In October 2023, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled that military trials of civilians were unconstitutional. However, this was reversed in May 2025 through the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment, pushed through by a reconstituted court bench. This amendment has been widely condemned for weakening judicial oversight and further empowering the military over civilian justice.
Global Condemnation and Human Rights Concerns
The international community has strongly condemned Pakistan’s use of military courts for civilians. Governments including the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union, along with rights organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for all civilian cases to be transferred to regular courts. These trials violate Pakistan’s obligations under international human rights law and represent a serious threat to democracy, justice, and the rule of law.