UN Calls for Immediate Release of Imran Khan Amidst Legal Controversies

A UN human rights working group has demanded the immediate release of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, citing arbitrary detention and violations of international laws. Despite multiple prison sentences and a ban from politics, Khan remains a leading opposition figure, with his party alleging political repression.

The United Nations human rights working group on Monday demanded the immediate release of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, describing his detention as 'arbitrary and in violation of international laws.'

The Geneva-based UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued the call after a thorough examination of Khan's case, in which he was convicted last year on corruption charges. The former prime minister has faced multiple prison sentences since his ousting in 2022 through a parliamentary vote of no-confidence.

There was no immediate comment from the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who succeeded Khan after his removal. Khan has remained incarcerated since August 2023, following a three-year prison sentence for allegedly hiding assets derived from the sale of state gifts. This conviction led to a ban on Khan participating in politics and contesting the February 8 elections—an election his party claims were rigged.

The Pakistan Election Commission, responsible for overseeing the vote, has denied any allegations of vote-rigging. Despite his convictions, Khan continues to be a prominent opposition figure.

Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which holds a significant parliamentary presence, praised the UN group's demand for Khan's release. The group stated that Khan's detention in the graft case 'had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him from running for office.' It further argued that Khan was detained for exercising his right to freedom of expression and was denied a fair trial and due process rights.

The UN working group described Khan's release as an 'appropriate remedy,' adding that his conviction formed part of a broader repression targeting PTI and Khan specifically.

In the buildup to Pakistan's February 2024 general elections, PTI candidates reportedly faced arrests, torture, and intimidation to force them out of the party. PTI rallies were also disrupted, and the party was deprived of its iconic cricket bat symbol, effectively forcing candidates to run as independents.

The UN group noted that Khan is confronted with over 150 politically motivated criminal cases, culminating in recent convictions in three additional cases just days before the election. These new sentences collectively add up to a combined prison term of 34 years, equivalent to a life sentence for the 71-year-old Khan.

Imran Khan's spokesman, Zulfi Bukhari, welcomed the UN group's findings and their call for Khan's immediate release.

Despite winning the most seats in the February 8 vote, Khan's party fell short of a parliamentary majority needed to form a government.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)