Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, is being held in arbitrary detention, deemed a violation of international law by a UN human rights working group. The group urges his immediate release, stating he should be compensated according to international law.
The UN working group accuses Khan’s legal troubles as part of a wider crackdown against him and his party, PTI. Allegations include the arrest and torture of party members, disruption of rallies, and fraud during elections. Despite denials of rigging from Pakistan’s election commission, Khan remains incarcerated.
Khan’s imprisonment stems from various cases, some already resulting in convictions. While court rulings have overturned certain charges, he still faces a trial under anti-terrorism laws related to past events.
The rise and fall of Khan
Khan’s political career saw him rise to power in 2018 only to be ousted in 2022 over conflicts with the military. Legal cases post-ousting led to his disqualification as a candidate in subsequent elections where his party secured seats but lost to a coalition government.