Global Parliamentary Group
A global parliamentary body has decided to send a representative to observe the legal proceedings against Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as revealed by his lawyer on Thursday.
Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry, Khan’s legal counsel, confirmed that he had discussed the cases involving the former prime minister with an official from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Following this discussion, the IPU, an organization that facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and promotes peace, democracy, and sustainable development worldwide, decided to send an observer to monitor the trials.
The IPU, of which Pakistan is a member, has been actively involved in promoting democratic values and ensuring the protection of human rights across the globe.
Chaudhry shared that the IPU representative was briefed on several key cases against Khan, including the high-profile £190 million case and the Toshakhana cases.
In his statement, Chaudhry explained that he provided the IPU representative with extensive details on the judicial processes involved in these cases, highlighting what he described as significant legal and constitutional flaws. He emphasized that these flaws, along with violations of the right to a fair trial, were central to the proceedings against Khan.
Chaudhry also mentioned that the representative was informed about the May 9 events, which involved violent protests, as well as the General Headquarters (GHQ) case, which is another significant legal matter related to Khan.
In a noteworthy development, the IPU had previously attempted to send an observer to Adiala Jail in November 2023, but the request was denied. This reflects ongoing concerns about transparency and the fairness of Khan’s detention and legal proceedings.
Khan, who was ousted as Pakistan’s prime minister through a no-confidence vote, has been incarcerated since August 2023, despite the suspension or overturning of all four convictions against him.
His imprisonment has garnered international attention, with parliamentarians from the UK and the US expressing concern over his legal challenges.
In July 2024, British lawmakers called for Khan’s release, and in October 2024, over 60 Democratic lawmakers from the US House of Representatives urged President Joe Biden to pressure Pakistan to secure Khan’s release. However, both the UK and US governments have maintained that the issue remains an internal matter for Pakistan.
In addition to the focus on Khan, the US, UK, and EU have also expressed criticism of Pakistan’s military courts, especially after the sentencing of civilians involved in the May 9 attacks on military facilities.
These international reactions indicate growing concerns over the treatment of Khan and the broader political and legal climate in Pakistan.
