Islamabad, July 3, 2024 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a peaceful and positive resolution regarding the detention of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Speaking through his spokesperson, Guterres highlighted the need for the situation to evolve in a fair manner, adhering to due process and international norms.
Background and Developments
Imran Khan, who led Pakistan as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, is currently detained on charges of corruption. His arrest has sparked widespread protests and significant political unrest. Supporters of Khan claim that the charges are politically motivated, aiming to hinder his participation in the upcoming elections.
Khan’s legal battles have been a focal point in Pakistan’s political discourse. Despite his incarceration, he continues to maintain a strong support base, and his detention has only intensified the political divide within the country. Recently, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention deemed his detention as arbitrary and called for his immediate release, a stance echoed by human rights organizations globally.
UN’s Position
The UN Secretary-General’s call for a positive resolution emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring that legal proceedings are transparent and fair. During a press briefing, Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for Guterres, acknowledged the recommendations made by the UN Working Group and reiterated the need for the situation to develop positively.
“We want to see the current political situation, the current situation of Mr. Khan, evolve in a much more positive way,” Dujarric stated. This call for fairness and adherence to international law highlights the global concern over the treatment of political figures and the integrity of Pakistan’s judicial processes.
Government and International Reactions
Pakistan’s Law Minister, Azam Nazeer Tarar, responded to the UN’s comments by asserting that Khan’s arrest and legal proceedings are domestic matters. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to upholding its constitution and legal framework. The government maintains that Khan is being treated in accordance with national laws and international standards.
The United States has also commented on the situation, with the State Department noting that Khan’s detention is an internal matter for Pakistan. This reflects a cautious approach by international actors, balancing concern for human rights with respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty.
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