More than 20 British MPs are asking Foreign Secretary David Lammy to talk with the Pakistani government about freeing former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
This request, led by MP Kim Johnson, comes as the MPs express serious worries about Khan’s detention, which they believe is politically motivated to keep him from running in elections.
The MPs pointed out that Khan has been in prison since 2023, which could set a bad example for how political leaders are treated in Pakistan. They cited a United Nations finding that said Khan’s detention has no legal basis and seems designed to prevent him from participating in politics.
The letter also mentions that Khan has had trouble preparing his defense in multiple trials, raising concerns about the misuse of the legal system against political opponents. The MPs are urging immediate talks to secure Khan’s release and warning that if a military court gets involved in his case, it would be illegal.
They also expressed alarm over recent changes to the constitution that could undermine the separation of powers and noted a rise in arrests of members of Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The MPs believe action is needed now to protect democracy in Pakistan.