UN chief sees Imran Khan’s situation to change in ‘positive way’: spokesperson

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believes the situation involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan would “evolve in a much more positive way”.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder is currently facing jail sentence in Iddat cast at Adiala Jail. However, his sentences in two Toshakhana cases were suspended while the Islamabad High Court acquitted him in the cipher case.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which is responsible for investigating cases of deprivation of liberty by governments, said that Khan’s cases were “without legal basis” and politically motivated.

The panel said the appropriate remedy would be to release and compensate the former prime minister.

When asked about the aforementioned development from spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, he said, “It’s a recommendation from an independent panel.

“We want to see the current political situation, the current situation of Mr Khan, evolve in a much more positive way.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had termed Khan’s detention as an internal matter rebuffing the UN Working Group’s recommendation.

He added that courts took legal action against the PTI founder in light of the Constitution and prevailing laws.

“The PTI founder is entitled to all rights under the Constitution and laws, as well as international principles,” Tarar had said, adding that the ex-premier was currently in jail as a convicted prisoner.