A group of 20 British parliamentarians has called on UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to advocate for the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail. The cross-party appeal urges the UK government to engage directly with Pakistan to secure Khan’s freedom.
Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside, authored the letter upon a request from Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s adviser on International Affairs. The letter has been signed by members from both the Commons and the House of Lords. Among the signatories are prominent MPs and Lords, including Paula Barker, Rosie Duffield, Zarah Sultana, and Baroness Joan Bakewell.
The parliamentarians expressed “grave concern” over Khan’s detention, describing it as lacking any legal basis. They cited a United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention finding that Khan’s imprisonment appears politically motivated, aimed at disqualifying him from future elections.
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Concerns Over Democratic Rights and Judicial Independence
The letter argues that Khan’s continued detention threatens Pakistan’s democracy. Amnesty International recently reviewed his case, noting “a pattern of weaponization of the legal system” to limit Khan’s political activities. In several cases, Khan’s defense team was reportedly denied adequate time to prepare.
The parliamentarians believe these actions represent an abuse of Pakistan’s justice system to intimidate and suppress political opposition. They also highlighted recent changes in Pakistan’s Constitution. The 26th Constitutional Amendment, which shifts certain powers away from the Supreme Court, is seen as a challenge to the independence of the judiciary.
The letter also points to recent crackdowns on Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Authorities have reportedly detained PTI members and activists, citing the Public Order Act to arrest party supporters despite prior rally permissions.
The UK parliamentarians warn that such actions set a dangerous precedent for political freedoms in Pakistan. They expressed their commitment to defending human rights and democracy, emphasizing that the UK has a responsibility to promote these values globally.
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