LONDON – British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Wednesday that the UK is closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, which sparked unrest.
“Pakistan’s arrest of the former prime minister is an internal matter.” “We support peaceful democratic processes and the rule of law, and we are closely monitoring the situation,” Sunak told lawmakers.
Sunak described the UK-Pakistan bilateral relations as “longstanding and close” when asked about the country’s ongoing “civil unrest” by Pakistan-born Conservative Party MP Rehman Chishti during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.
“Pakistan’s arrest of the former prime minister is an internal matter.” We support peaceful democratic processes and the rule of law, and we are closely monitoring the situation,” Sunak said.
Chishti, a dual British and Pakistani citizen, expressed concern about Khan’s detention and his right to a fair trial. “In the past, the United Kingdom has sent observers to hearings around the world to ensure natural justice is carried out.” “Has the prime minister thought about that?” he inquired of Sunak.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all parties in Pakistan to avoid violence and to respect the right to peaceful assembly, according to deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq in New York on Wednesday.
Guterres also urged Pakistani authorities to “respect due process and the rule of law in proceedings” against Imran Khan.
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