British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said that there are no signs from Pakistani authorities indicating a plan to try incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan in a military court, The News reported.
The statement was made in response to a letter from Kim Johnson MP, which was written at the request of Khan’s adviser on international affairs Zulfikar Bukhari.
In the past, Khan has expressed concerns over his possible military trial following amendments to the Army Act and the arrest of former spymaster Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed. He approached the Islamabad High Court against his possible military trial in connection with cases registered against him over the May 9 violent protests.
In one of the hearings, the federal government informed the court Khan’s trial by military court was not under its consideration.
Lammy expressed his concerns over the potential use of military courts for civilian trials, highlighting the lack of transparency and independent oversight in such cases. “These courts can make it challenging to ensure compliance with international standards,” he stated.
While he reassured that there were no indications of Khan facing a military trial, the British foreign secretary emphasised that his officials would “closely monitor” the situation.
Bukhari facilitated a letter to the UK government signed by 20 MPs from various parties, raising “alarms” about changes in Pakistan’s judiciary and the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
In reaction, Lammy emphasised the importance of Pakistan adhering to its international obligations, stating that the authorities “must respect fundamental freedoms,” including the right to a fair trial and humane treatment. “This applies to Imran Khan just as it does to all citizens of Pakistan.”
He also voiced his concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, particularly regarding political opposition.
“In our discussions with Pakistani authorities, we stress that the ability to express views without censorship or intimidation is a fundamental pillar of democracy,” the British foreign secretary said.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) minister responsible for Pakistan, Falconer, has stressed the need for upholding civil and political rights during discussions with Pakistan’s Human Rights Minister, Azam Nazeer Tarar.
Falconer is scheduled to visit Pakistan later this year and has been asked to meet with Khan’s adviser, Bukhari, and other interested parliamentarians upon his return.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also called for Khan’s military trial given the May 9 cases in courts. But he has not elaborated on the evidence against the former prime minister.
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When columnist Javed Chaudhry appeared on Rubaroo on September 13, he also spoke on the same wavelength but linked it to the constitutional amendment.
While speaking about the constitutional amendments passed by Parliament in October, Lammy acknowledged that while such changes “are a domestic matter,” the UK has highlighted the importance of an independent judiciary that can effectively check and balance other state functions.
“The UK will continue to collaborate with Pakistan on our shared interests,” he said.
Bukhari welcomed the supportive stance and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Pakistani people to Kim Johnson MP and all the parliamentarians and members of the House of Lords who signed the letter addressing concerns about Khan’s alleged illegal detention and the broader human rights situation in Pakistan.
