UN Human Rights Group Urges Immediate Release of Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan
- A U.N. human rights working group demands the release of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan.
- The group states that Khan's detention is arbitrary and violates international laws.
- Calls for an immediate action to ensure his freedom and rights are upheld.
In a recent development, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has urged for the immediate release of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, stating that his imprisonment was carried out arbitrarily and in violation of international laws. Khan, who was ousted in 2022 following a vote of no-confidence, has been serving multiple prison sentences since then, with his most recent conviction in 2023 on corruption charges. The call for his release comes amidst allegations of vote-rigging in the February 8 elections, which Khan's party claims were unfair. The U.N. working group highlighted that Khan's detention lacked legal basis and seemed to be a deliberate attempt to prevent him from participating in political activities. They emphasized that Khan's right to freedom of expression and a fair trial had been compromised. The group demanded his immediate release as a necessary remedy, especially considering the alleged intimidation and harassment faced by Khan's party members leading up to the elections. Furthermore, the U.N. group revealed that Khan was entangled in numerous politically motivated criminal cases, resulting in additional lengthy prison sentences just days before the elections. With a cumulative term of 34 years, described as a de facto life sentence for the 71-year-old former Prime Minister, concerns have been raised about the fairness and legitimacy of the legal proceedings against him. Khan's spokesperson welcomed the U.N.'s stance on his release, as his party, despite winning the most seats in the elections, fell short of forming a government. The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who succeeded Khan, has not yet responded to the U.N.'s call for Khan's release. The situation remains tense as the opposition leader continues to be a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, with ongoing debates surrounding the legitimacy of his convictions and the electoral process. The demand for Khan's immediate release underscores the international scrutiny on Pakistan's human rights practices and the treatment of political figures in the country.