Sunak, Guterres for respecting law

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday said that the UK is monitoring the situation in Pakistan carefully, after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan sparked unrest.

"The arrest of the former prime minister is an internal matter for Pakistan. We support peaceful democratic processes and adherence to the rule of law and we are monitoring the situation carefully," Sunak told lawmakers.

Asked about the ongoing "civil unrest" in the country by Pakistan-born Conservative Party MP Rehman Chishti during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons, Sunak responded by describing the UK-Pakistan bilateral relations as “longstanding and close”.

"The arrest of the former prime minister is an internal matter for Pakistan. We support peaceful democratic processes and adherence to the rule of law and we are monitoring the situation carefully,” said Sunak.

Chishti, a dual British and Pakistani citizen, raised concerns over the circumstances of the detention of Khan and his right to a fair trial. "The United Kingdom has in the past sent observers to hearings around the world to ensure natural justice is done. Has the prime minister considered that?” he asked Sunak.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wants all parties in Pakistan to refrain from violence and stresses the need to respect the right to peaceful assembly, deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said in New York on Wednesday.

Guterres had also urged Pakistani authorities to "respect due process and the rule of law in proceedings" against former prime minister Imran Khan.

With additional input from News Desk