ISLAMABAD: British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said that Pakistan’s judicial process is its domestic matter, adding that Pakistani authorities have not indicated any intentions to try former prime minister Imran Khan in a military court.
The British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs said this in response to Kim Johnson MP’s letter which he wrote to the British government about the political situation in Pakistan.
In his letter to Kim Johnson MP, Lammy said that the UK regularly engages with Pakistan on important issues, including respect for human rights and democratic freedoms.
“We have been very clear that the Pakistani authorities need to act in line with their international obligations and with respect for fundamental freedoms, including the right to a fair trial, due process and humane detention. This applies to Imran Khan as it does to all Pakistan’s citizens,” the British Foreign Secretary stated.
While acknowledging the domestic nature of judicial matters, Lammy pointed out the challenges of transparency and adherence to international standards in military courts. He said that there were no indications suggesting that Pakistani authorities intend to try Imran Khan in a military court.
“We have no recent indications from the Pakistani authorities that they intend to try Imran Khan in a military court, but my officials continue to monitor the situation closely,” Lammy wrote.
The British Foreign Secretary voiced concerns regarding restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly in Pakistan.
“Like you, I remain concerned by restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, including in relation to the political opposition,” Lammy wrote.
He stressed that freedom of speech without censorship or intimidation is a cornerstone of democracy. “We continue to underline that the freedom to hold and express views without censorship, intimidation or unnecessary restriction is a cornerstone of democracy.”
The UK’s Minister responsible for Pakistan, Falconer, has been in dialogue with Pakistan’s Human Rights Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on these issues and plans to visit Pakistan later this year for further discussions, Lammy wrote.
“The FCDO [Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] minister responsible for Pakistan, Falconer, has raised the importance of upholding civil and political rights with Pakistan’s Human Rights Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. Minister Falconer is due to visit Pakistan later this year, and I have asked him to arrange a meeting with you and other interested parliamentarians on his return,” Lammy wrote to Kim Johnson MP.
Regarding constitutional amendments passed by Pakistan’s parliament in October, Lammy stated that an independent judiciary is essential to a functioning democracy.
“With regard to Pakistan’s constitutional amendments, I note that these were passed by Pakistan’s parliament in October. While any amendment to Pakistan’s constitution is a matter for Pakistan, we have been clear that an independent judiciary, able to check and balance other state organs, is critical to a functioning democracy. The UK will continue to work with Pakistan across the breadth of our shared interests.”
It is pertinent to mention that a month ago Zulfi Bukhari had arranged a letter for the UK government from 20 MPs from all parties. It had raised concerns about the changes in Pakistan’s judiciary and the passage of the 26th Amendment.
WeNews English has approached two members of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s cabinet for their comments on the development, however, their response is awaited.
