Amid reports that former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan sought the counsel of a UK-based lawyer for international legal matters, Rana Sanaullah, President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), lashed out, accusing Khan of being a “puppet used to defame Pakistan globally.”
Read More: Rana Sanaullah latest statement about Imran Khan
Sanaullah emphasized his concern, stating that taking Pakistan to the International Court of Justice would present the nation as a global criminal. He deemed such actions as those of individuals detrimental to Pakistan’s interests.
On September 1, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) announced on Twitter that Imran Khan had enlisted the services of prominent human rights Barrister Geoffrey Robertson KC of Doughty Street Chambers for representation in international courts regarding unlawful detentions and human rights abuses. However, following backlash and criticism in the media, PTI revoked Robertson’s services on September 2, citing his services were no longer required due to concerns raised in Pakistan.
Sanaullah questioned the need for Khan, whom he referred to as the “blue-eyed” figure of the judicial system, to seek foreign assistance. He further speculated on the financiers behind Khan and criticized the state of Pakistan’s economy and foreign relations during his tenure.
The opposition leader also expressed concerns about rising inflation leading to a potential civil war and suggested that the youth were being radicalized.
Moreover, Sanaullah noted the jubilation in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) when they learned that Pakistan might face international legal scrutiny.
The selection of Geoffrey Robertson KC had sparked criticism due to his alleged involvement in campaigns against the Pakistani military and the propagation of disputed theories regarding the 1971 war and Bangladesh’s separation from Pakistan.
In August, PTI also faced scrutiny for revoking engagements with UK solicitor Rashad Yaqoob and his organization, the Human Rights Legal Aid Foundation (HRLAF), as well as Azhar Siddique, a Pakistan Supreme Court lawyer based in Manchester.
