London, November 16,2024- British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has stated that Pakistan has given no indication it intends to try former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan in a military court.
In his response to a letter from Kim Johnson MP, written at the request of Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s adviser on international affairs, Lammy emphasized that “Pakistan’s judicial processes are a domestic matter.” However, he acknowledged concerns about the potential use of military courts to try civilians, including Khan, citing their lack of transparency and independent scrutiny.
“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,” Lammy said.
Concerns over human rights and judicial independence
The letter from Johnson MP was signed by 20 cross-party MPs and members of the House of Lords, raising alarm over judicial changes in Pakistan and the passage of the 26th Amendment. Lammy reiterated the UK’s stance that Pakistani authorities must act in line with international obligations, ensuring fair trials, due process, and humane treatment for all citizens, including Khan.
“I remain concerned by restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, particularly regarding the political opposition,” Lammy added. “The freedom to hold and express views without censorship or intimidation is a cornerstone of democracy.”
He confirmed that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) Minister for Pakistan, Falconer, had raised these issues with Pakistan’s Human Rights Minister, Azam Nazeer Tarar. Falconer is scheduled to visit Pakistan later this year and will meet parliamentarians upon his return to discuss these concerns further.
Zulfi Bukhari welcomes UK’s support
Zulfi Bukhari expressed gratitude to Johnson MP and other signatories for raising “grave concerns” about Khan’s incarceration and the state of human rights in Pakistan. He also thanked Lammy for addressing the issue, emphasizing the importance of free and fair elections and judicial independence as pillars of democracy.
“The people of Pakistan are truly suffering due to the actions of a tyrannical unelected government,” Bukhari said, reiterating that Pakistanis continue to struggle for their democratic rights.
Lammy concluded by reaffirming the UK’s commitment to working with Pakistan on shared interests, emphasizing that an independent judiciary remains critical to a functioning democracy.
