LONDON: British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has stated that there are no recent indications from Pakistani authorities that former Prime Minister Imran Khan will be tried in a military court.
Lammy made the comments in response to a letter from Kim Johnson MP, who had raised concerns about the potential use of military courts to try civilians, including Khan. The letter was submitted to the British government on behalf of Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s adviser on international affairs.
“I have raised concerns about the potential use of military courts to try civilians, including Imran Khan,” Lammy said. “Such courts can lack transparency and independent scrutiny, making it difficult to assess compliance with international standards. 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.”
A month ago, Bukhari had arranged for a letter signed by 20 MPs from all political parties in the UK, which raised alarms over changes in Pakistan’s judiciary and the passage of the 26th Amendment. In his response, Lammy emphasized that while Pakistan’s judicial matters are internal, the UK has been clear in urging Pakistan to uphold its international obligations, particularly in relation to the right to a fair trial and due process.
Lammy continued: “While Pakistan’s judicial processes are a domestic matter, we have been very clear that the Pakistani authorities need to act in line with their international obligations and with respect for fundamental freedoms, including the right to a fair trial, due process, and humane detention. This applies to Imran Khan as it does to all Pakistan’s citizens.”
He also expressed concern over restrictions on freedom of expression and political assembly in Pakistan, particularly in relation to opposition parties. “We continue to underline that the freedom to hold and express views without censorship, intimidation, or unnecessary restriction is a cornerstone of democracy,” Lammy added.
The UK government has also engaged with Pakistan on the issue of constitutional amendments, with Lammy noting that these were passed by Pakistan’s parliament in October. However, the UK has continued to emphasize the importance of an independent judiciary as a critical element of a functioning democracy. “An independent judiciary, able to check and balance other state organs, is critical,” Lammy said.
Bukhari, in a statement, expressed gratitude for the UK government’s response. “On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I would like to thank Kim Johnson MP and all the other honourable members of Parliament & the House of Lords who signed the letter raising grave concerns about Imran Khan’s illegal incarceration and the lack of human rights in Pakistan,” he said.
He added, “Thank you to Foreign Secretary David Lammy for addressing the letter. The people of Pakistan are suffering due to the actions of a tyrannical unelected government. Respect for free and fair elections, and the rule of law, underpinned by an independent judiciary, are the bedrock of democracy. Pakistanis continue to struggle for theirs.”
The original letter was signed by MPs and Lords including Kim Johnson MP, Paula Barker MP, Liam Byrne MP, Rosie Duffield MP, Gill Furniss MP, Lord Peter Hain, and others.
