No sign Pakistan intends to try Imran Khan in military court: UK

LONDON: Claiming that “trials in Pakistan are an internal matter”, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Pakistani authorities had given no indication that they intended to try the former prime minister and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e -Insaf (PTI) of Imran Khan in military affairs. court.

This was stated by the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development in his response to a letter from MP Kim Johnson, which he wrote to the British government at the request of Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s adviser on international affairs.

MP Lammy said: “I have raised concerns about the potential use of military courts to try civilian cases, including Imran Khan. Such courts may lack transparency and independent oversight, making it difficult to assess compliance with international standards.”

“We have no recent indication 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.

A month ago, Buhari organized a letter to the UK government from 20 MPs from all parties. This raised concerns about changes in the judiciary and the passage of the 26th Amendment.

The foreign minister said: “While Pakistan’s legal proceedings are an internal matter, we have made it clear that the Pakistani authorities must act in accordance 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 citizens of Pakistan.”

Lammy said: “Like you, I remain concerned about restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, including on political opposition. In our interactions with the authorities, we continue to emphasize that freedom to hold and express views without censorship, intimidation or unnecessary restrictions is a cornerstone of democracy.

“Falconer, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary of the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) responsible for Pakistan, raised the importance of respecting civil and political rights with Pakistan’s Human Rights Minister Azam Nazir 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 upon his return.

“Regarding the amendments to the constitution of Pakistan, I note that they were passed by the Parliament of Pakistan in October. While any amendment to the constitution of Pakistan is a matter for Pakistan, we have clearly stated that an independent judiciary capable of checking and balancing other organs of the state is critical to the functioning of democracy.

Welcoming the letter, Bukhari said: “Once again, on behalf of the people of Pakistan, I would like to thank Kim Johnson, Members of Parliament and all other honorable members of Parliament and the House of Lords who signed the letter expressing serious concern about the illegal imprisonment of Imran Khan. and the lack of human rights now in Pakistan.”

“I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lammy for his reply and address to the letter. The people of Pakistan are truly suffering beyond belief due to the actions of a tyrannical unelected government. Respect for free and fair elections and the rule of law, supported by an independent judicial system, is the foundation of democracy, added Khan’s aide to the ex-prime minister.

The original letter was signed by: Johnson, Paula Barker, Apsana Begum, Liam Byrne, Rosie Duffield, Gill Furniss, Paulette Hamilton, Peter Lamb, Andy McDonald, Abtisam Mohamed, Bell Ribeiro. Addy, Zara Sultana MP, Steve Witherden MP, Nadia Wittom MP, Baroness Joan Bakewell, Baroness Christine Blower, Lord Peter Hain, Lord John Hendy and Lord Todoanfell.