A global parliamentary body has decided to send a representative to monitor the trials of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, his lawyer disclosed on Thursday.
Khan’s lawyer, Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry, revealed that he discussed the former prime minister’s cases with an official from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), prompting the organization to send a trial observer.
The IPU, which Pakistan is a member of, facilitates parliamentary diplomacy to promote global peace, democracy, and sustainable development.
“The IPU representative was briefed on judicial proceedings in the £190 million case,” said Chaudhry. “They were also informed about the Toshakhana cases.”
He added, “I provided details about penalties in the Toshakhana cases, constitutional flaws, and violations of the right to a fair trial.”
The IPU observer was also briefed on the May 9 events and the GHQ case. “In November 2023, an IPU observer attempted to visit Adiala Jail but was denied permission,” he noted.
This is not the first instance of external interest in Khan’s imprisonment. UK and US lawmakers have previously demanded the former prime minister’s release.
Khan, the first prime minister ousted through a no-confidence vote, has been in jail since August 2023, despite the suspension or overturning of all four convictions against him.
In July last year, British MPs called for Khan’s release, while over 60 Democratic lawmakers in the US wrote to President Joe Biden in October 2024, urging him to use Washington’s influence to secure Khan’s release.
However, the governments of both nations have deemed the matter internal to Pakistan.
Additionally, last month, the US, UK, and EU criticized the use of military courts to sentence civilians involved in the May 9, 2023 attacks on military installations following Khan’s arrest.
