The British Foreign Office has issued a rare and stinging condemnation of Pakistan’s judicial system after a prominent women’s rights activist was sentenced to prison for her role in a disappeared persons case. The activist, whose name has been withheld for security reasons, was convicted under controversial anti-terrorism laws for allegedly facilitating the disappearance of a government critic. Sources confirm the trial was conducted behind closed doors, with evidence that was never made public.
The Foreign Office statement, released late last night, said: “We are deeply concerned by the imprisonment of a peaceful human rights defender. This verdict undermines the rule of law and the protection of fundamental freedoms in Pakistan.” The activist’s family has called the trial a “sham” aimed at silencing dissent.
This case is the latest in a series of targeted crackdowns on civil society under Pakistan’s military-led government. Uncovered documents show that the activist had been monitoring forced disappearances in Balochistan, a region where security forces have been accused of extrajudicial abductions. The British government is now reviewing its aid and trade relations with Islamabad.
The activist faces a potential 10-year sentence. Her legal team has vowed to appeal to the Supreme Court, but doubts remain about judicial independence. Human rights groups have urged the UK to impose targeted sanctions on those responsible.
The Foreign Office has not ruled out further action. This is a developing story.
