A British parliamentarian has condemned the “escalation of state repression” in Pakistan – after the Pakistani military fired on protesters in Islamabad, the country’s capital.
Labour MP Kim Johnson told Middle East Eye the escalation in Pakistan, where police have arrested more than 4,000 alleged supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is “deeply concerning”.
On Monday and Tuesday over 10,000 protesters confronted around 20,000 security personnel in Islamabad.
The Pakistani government deployed its military within the capital with orders to shoot protesters if necessary. Deadly clashes saw several killed, including four soldiers.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has called a temporary halt to the protests.
Khan is serving a 10-year sentence after being convicted of leaking state secrets. A recent UN report concluded that his detention is arbitrary and in contravention of international law.
The former cricketer, considered one of the sport’s all-time greats, has been blocked from standing for election in Pakistan, despite being widely accepted to be the country’s most popular politician.
Johnson told MEE that the ongoing “state repression” risks “further destabilising an already volatile situation amid the already increasing wave of sectarian violence.”
“It is essential that democratic principles and the rule of law are upheld to ensure the country does not descend into greater unrest and violence,” she added.
Johnson further expressed concern over Khan’s detention, saying: “The arrest and detention of parliamentarians and political leaders, such as Imran Khan, must be addressed with transparency, fairness and in accordance with international law, as called for by a recent UN report.
“Their imprisonment continues to undermine public trust in legal systems. International attention and pressure are needed to support a peaceful resolution and safeguard Pakistan’s democratic institutions.”
Britain ‘monitoring the situation’
On Monday, Johnson wrote to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy calling for him to make a statement on the situation.
“Police have reportedly arrested up to 4,000 supporters of Imran Khan ahead of a rally in Islamabad,” she noted. The thousands arrested reportedly include five parliamentarians.
Police are believed to be seeking the arrest of Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, who spearheaded the convoy that broke through security lines in Islamabad to lead a protest towards government buildings.
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Mobile and internet services were suspended in Islamabad over the weekend, but have since been restored.
Lammy said earlier this month that Khan’s arrest was an internal issue for Pakistan, in response to another letter by Johnson.
But he added 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.”
“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,” he said.