No indication of military trial against Imran: British official

ISLAMABAD:

ISLAMABAD

A senior British government official has stated that there is no indication from Pakistani authorities that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan will be tried by the military courts set up last year to prosecute the alleged perpetrators of the May 9, 2023 vandalism crimes . .

In a letter responding to an October 16 inquiry from British MP Kim Johnson into the political situation in Pakistan and the detention of Imran Khan, British Secretary of State, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy confirmed that Britain regularly high level involved. on these critical issues.

On October 16, Kim Johnson called on the British Foreign Secretary to intervene in the release of Imran Khan from Adiala prison and to hold talks with the Pakistani government on behalf of Imran Khan’s international affairs adviser, Zulfi Bukhari .

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

Responding to the letter, Lammy said that while legal processes in Pakistan are a domestic matter, Britain has been very clear that Pakistani authorities must act in accordance with their international obligations and with respect for fundamental freedoms, including the right to a fair trial. fair trial and humane detention. “This applies to Imran Khan, as it does to all Pakistani citizens,” he added.

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

“We have no recent indications from 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 about restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, including in relation to the political opposition.

In its dealings with the authorities, the UK Government continues to emphasize that the freedom to hold and express views without censorship, intimidation or unnecessary restrictions 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 Minister of Human Rights Azam (Nazeer) Tarar.

“Minister Falconer will visit Pakistan later this year and I have asked him to arrange a meeting with you and other interested parliamentarians upon his return,” he added.

Speaking about recent constitutional changes, he said that while any change to the Pakistani Constitution is a matter for Pakistan, Britain has made it clear that an independent judiciary, capable of checking and balancing other organs of state, is crucial is for a functioning democracy.

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

On Saturday, Zulfi Bukhari went to “Kim Johnson MP and other members have taken an important step in support of the Pakistani people,” he added.

Meanwhile, another 46 members of the US Congress have raised concerns to President Joe Biden over 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, electoral fraud and targeting of the PTI during the February 2024 general elections. Members of Congress alleged that these elections were rigged and criticized the suppression of reports from Commonwealth and European Union observers.

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

It raises concerns about the policies of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, including the exclusion of concerns from the Pakistani-American community and the embassy’s quick approval of the new administration.

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 in Islamabad is committed to promoting human rights and democratic values.

It also points to a New York Times report describing the current Pakistani government as a “military front” struggling to gain legitimacy.