Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s detention has been deemed arbitrary and a violation of international law by a group of United Nations experts, who are calling for his immediate release. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stated that Khan’s fundamental rights were infringed upon, leading to his unjust imprisonment. Khan, who had already been serving a jail term, was sentenced to an additional 10 years for allegedly leaking state secrets. He has consistently maintained his innocence, attributing the charges to political motives orchestrated by the country’s powerful military and his rivals.
Despite being acquitted of the state secrets conviction, Khan remains incarcerated due to a separate ruling declaring his marriage invalid. He has highlighted the harsh conditions of his confinement, including solitary confinement. While unable to participate in recent elections, candidates supported by his party secured significant victories. The UN working group also highlighted alleged instances of election fraud and intimidation against members of Khan’s party. Although Pakistan’s election commission refutes these claims, the controversy surrounding Khan’s detention and political upheaval continues.