No indication of Imran's military trial: UK official

ISLAMABAD:

ISLAMABAD

A senior official of the United Kingdom government has stated that there is no indication from Pakistani authorities that the incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan will be tried in the military courts established last year to prosecute alleged perpetrators of the May 9, 2023, acts of vandalism.

In a letter responding to an October 16 inquiry from British lawmaker Kim Johnson regarding the political situation in Pakistan and the detention of Imran Khan, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Lammy affirmed that the UK regularly engages at senior levels on these critical issues.

On October 16, Kim Johnson called on the UK's foreign secretary to intervene in Imran Khan's release from Adiala Jail and engage with the Pakistan government at the behest of Imran Khan's adviser on International Affairs, Zulfi Bukhari.

20 British parliamentarians, representing both the Commons and the Lords, signed the letter written by Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside.

Responding to the letter, Lammy said while Pakistan's judicial processes are a domestic matter, the UK has been very clear that the Pakistani authorities need to act in line with their international obligations and with respect for fundamental freedoms, including the right to a fair trial, due process and humane detention. "This applies to Imran Khan as it does to all Pakistan's citizens," he added.

The foreign secretary said he has raised concerns about the potential use of military courts to try civilians, including Imran Khan, adding that such courts can lack transparency and independent scrutiny, making it difficult to assess compliance with international standards.

"We have no recent indications from the Pakistani authorities that they intend to try Imran Khan in a military court, but my officials continue to monitor the situation closely," he added.

Lammy said he remained concerned by restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, including in relation to the political opposition.

In its engagements with the authorities, he said, the UK government continues to underline that the freedom to hold and express views without censorship, intimidation or unnecessary restriction is a cornerstone of democracy.

"The FCDO minister responsible for Pakistan, Minister Falconer, has raised the importance of upholding civil and political rights with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Azam [Nazeer] Tarar.

"Minister Falconer is due to visit Pakistan later this year, and I have asked him to arrange a meeting with you and other interested parliamentarians on his return," he added.

Talking with reference to recent constitutional amendments, he said while any amendment to Pakistan's Constitution is a matter for Pakistan, the UK has been clear that an independent judiciary, able to check and balance other state organs, is critical to a functioning democracy.

"The UK will continue to work with Pakistan across the breadth of our shared interests," he added.

On Saturday, Zulfi Bukhari took to X to express his gratitude to the members of the British Parliament and the House of Lords for raising their voices against "the illegal arrest" of Imran and the deteriorating human rights situation in Pakistan. "Kim Johnson MP and other members have taken a significant step in support of the Pakistani people," he added.

Meanwhile, 46 more members of the US Congress have expressed their concerns to President Joe Biden about the alleged illegal detention of former prime minister Imran Khan, whom they have described as Pakistan's most "popular political leader".

The letter refers to widespread irregularities, election fraud, and targeted actions against the PTI during the February 2024 general elections. Congress members claimed these elections were manipulated and criticized the suppression of reports by Commonwealth observers and the European Union.

The letter highlights demands by the United Nations Working Group and Amnesty International for the immediate release of Imran Khan.

It raises concerns over the policies of the US Embassy in Islamabad, including the exclusion of concerns from the Pakistani-American community and the embassy's swift endorsement of the new government.

The letter urges President Biden to take steps to prevent alleged human rights abuses in Pakistan, secure the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan, and ensure that the new ambassador to Islamabad is committed to promoting human rights and democratic values.

It also refers to a New York Times report that described the current Pakistani government as a "military front" struggling to establish legitimacy.