ISLAMABAD: Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Monday responded to a UN report that described the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan as arbitrary and against international law, stating that the arrest and charges are an "internal matter."
In his statement on Tuesday, the law minister asserted that the PTI founder's rights are protected under Pakistan's constitution, laws, and international standards. Imran Khan, who has faced numerous charges ranging from corruption to terrorism since his removal as prime minister, has been imprisoned since last August and convicted in some cases before a nationwide election earlier this year. He is also contesting several other ongoing cases.
Tarar emphasized that Imran Khan is incarcerated as a convicted prisoner, and as an independent state, Pakistan enforces its constitution and existing laws through its courts. He further highlighted that the relief granted to the PTI founder in various cases demonstrates the transparency and fairness of Pakistan's judicial system.
"Any demands beyond the Constitution, law, and international principles would be considered discriminatory, biased, and unjust," Tarar stressed.
On Monday, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, based in Geneva, opined that the detained politician should be "released immediately." The group stated that an appropriate remedy would be to release Mr. Khan immediately and provide him with an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations in line with international law. They also noted that the legal challenges faced by the former prime minister are part of a broader campaign of repression against him and his party.
Following the UN report, the US State Department urged Pakistan to respect fundamental human rights. Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel mentioned that US officials have consistently, both privately and publicly, urged Pakistan to uphold the rights of its people in accordance with its constitution and international commitments.
"We urge the Government of Pakistan to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and freedom of religion," he stated.
