UK lawmakers push for Imran Khan’s immediate release from prison
Web Desk
|
27 Oct 2024
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues to mobilize international support for the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan, with 20 British parliamentarians joining the call.
Following statements from U.S. senators, members of both the UK House of Commons and the House of Lords have written to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, urging action for the former prime minister’s release.
Reportedly, British MPs were engaged by PTI’s Zulfi Bukhari.
The UK parliamentarians voiced grave concern over Khan's detention, which the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has deemed unjustified.
They argue that his imprisonment appears 'politically driven', aiming to bar him from future office.
The MPs further warned that Khan’s detention threatens democratic integrity in Pakistan, raising concerns about his potential trial in a military court—a step they labeled as an alarming and illegal escalation.
The letter also highlighted Amnesty International’s concerns over alleged misuse of the legal system to detain Khan and limit his defense, claiming it demonstrates a broader campaign to intimidate political opponents and erode judicial independence.
In addition, the MPs criticized Pakistan's 26th Constitutional Amendment, which they argue weakens the Supreme Court’s power and sets a dangerous precedent.
The letter calls for Khan’s immediate release from pre-trial detention and urges the UK government to champion human rights and democracy by pressing for his safe release.
Comments
0 comment