In their correspondence, the parliamentarians emphasized that it is the British government’s duty to advocate for Khan’s release and to communicate with the Pakistani authorities
News Desk
LONDON: Over 20 British parliamentarians from various political parties have penned a letter to the UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, urging the government to engage with Pakistan regarding the release of Imran Khan, the founder and former chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), from Adiala Jail. The letter was drafted by Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside, following a request from Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s advisor on international affairs. It includes signatures from members across both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
In their correspondence, the parliamentarians emphasized that it is the British government’s duty to advocate for Khan’s release and to communicate with the Pakistani authorities. Signatories include prominent figures such as Kim Johnson, Paula Barker, Apsana Begum, Liam Byrne, Rosie Duffield, Gulfaraz, Paulette Hamilton, Peter Lamb, Andy McDonald, Ibtisam Muhammad, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Zara Sultana, Steve Reed, Nadia Whittome, Baroness Jan Royall, and Baroness Christine Blower, along with Lords Peter Henig, John Hendy, and Tood Wanfi.
The parliamentarians expressed grav” con’ern over the ongoing detention of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, asserting that the purpose of his imprisonment is to disqualify him from contesting political office. They noted that the prosecution lacks a legitimate legal basis and is allegedly being used for political ends. They warned that Khan’s continued detention poses a serious threat to democracy in Pakistan. Furthermore, the letter raises speculation that Khan’s fate may be determined by a military tribunal, which they describe as a troubling and entirely unlawful process. “We stand for human rights, democracy, and international law everywhere,” they stated.
The parliamentarians called for discussions with the Pakistani government to ensure Khan’s safe release. In a related development, Zulfi Bukhari, currently in the UK, expressed gratitude to those members of parliament who signed the letter. He mentioned that 20 peers and MPs have endorsed the initiative so far, with more expected to join in the coming days. Bukhari stressed the need for an end to Khan’s unlawful detention, thanking everyone who supports the rule of law and democracy in Pakistan. This growing political momentum in the UK adds pressure on the Pakistani government to address the concerns surrounding Khan’s imprisonment.
