Appeal at UNHCR

Imran Khan's imprisonment and the denial of lawful access to his family, lawyers, physicians and other associates have once again been flagged at the international level. Kasim Khan, the jailed PTI leader's elder son, has reached out to representatives of 47 countries at the UNHRC in Geneva, pleading for a "just and humane" treatment to his father. He also solicited release of all political prisoners. Kasim made a point at the forum, saying that the Pakistan government's approach on detention of political prisoners as well as trials by military courts violates human rights conventions and relevant EU protocols. The ex-PM's continued solitary confinement has scaled up into an issue of political discrimination. Kasim termed the ill-will as the "most visible example of a much wider pattern of repression in Pakistan since 2022". He also made a referral to the February 2024 general elections, reiterating the party's allegations of rigging. Kasim, and his brother Suleiman, had earlier lobbied at the UN and the power corridors in Washington DC, in hope of their father's plight being heard. The buck, however, stops at the government's doorstep, and has more to do with the emancipation of courts. Perhaps, that is why Imran Khan, in his Eid day telephonic conversation with his son, lamented the approach of the judiciary, terming it "shameful" for "failing to upholding" the principles of justice and fair play. The denial of bail to Khan, his wife and other party leaders over bailable offences has put the judiciary in a bad light. The Supreme Court through its amicus curiae too had sought relief for Khan, only to be obstructed by a prejudiced rejoinder from the incumbent government. With the PTI mulling a street movement now that the Eid festival has ended, the government must deal with the issue with sagacity and immediately dispense justice. Grant of visas to Khan's sons and shifting him to hospital can come as necessary CBMs. A subsequent dialogue could surely lead to political stability.