Islamabad: Responding to a UN report labeling the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan as arbitrary and a breach of international law, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized that the arrest and legal proceedings against Khan are purely an “internal matter”.
“The PTI founder is entitled to all rights under the country’s constitution, laws, and international standards,” stated Tarar in a release issued on Tuesday.
Imran Khan has been confronted with multiple charges, ranging from corruption to terrorism, following his removal from office as prime minister. He has been in custody since last August and was convicted in some cases prior to a recent nationwide election. Additionally, he faces numerous ongoing legal battles.
Tarar clarified that Khan remains in detention as a convicted prisoner, asserting that Pakistan, as a sovereign state, upholds its constitution and laws through its judiciary.
The minister highlighted that relief granted to Khan in various cases demonstrates the transparency and fairness of Pakistan’s judicial system. He stressed that any demands contrary to the constitution, laws, and international principles would be deemed discriminatory and unjust.
Earlier this week, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in Geneva called for Khan’s immediate release, citing violations of international law and suggesting compensation and reparations.
In response to the UN’s findings, the US State Department urged Pakistan to uphold fundamental human rights. Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel reaffirmed US calls for Pakistan to respect freedoms of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and religion, consistent with its constitutional and international obligations.
