Pakistan: Imran Khan Appeals SC to Protect Fundamental Rights of Freedom of Expression

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned, has appealed to Chief Justice of Pakistan Supreme Court Qazi Faez Isa to safeguard the fundamental rights of his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

In a seven-page letter, Khan implored the Supreme Court to protect his party’s right to freedom of expression, assembly, and association, as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Khan’s letter comes amidst allegations by PTI that it is being hindered from conducting political activities ahead of the upcoming general elections. Several PTI leaders have been imprisoned following protests that took place on May 9, 2023.

Khan asserts that the power to prosecute and arrest is being misused to “engineer and skew the political landscape of the country.” He alleges that PTI members are being targeted through multiple criminal cases to keep them behind bars and that new cases are being filed against them even after securing bail.

Khan further claims that undisclosed FIRs and police reports are being kept “in reserve” to re-arrest PTI members who have been granted bail. He emphasizes that judges cannot turn a blind eye to these realities and must take action.

Khan urges the Supreme Court to intervene and stop the arrests and abductions of PTI leaders and workers, asserting that fair and general elections cannot be held on February 8, 2024, if these practices continue.

Khan also highlights the pressure being exerted on print and electronic media to publish “tutored content and opinions,” emphasizing that this coercion has affected different groups over time. He calls for an end to this suppression of free speech.

In conclusion, Khan implores the Supreme Court to issue orders to halt the “practice of successive arrests of persons granted bail in known cases” and to establish a commission to investigate the disappearances of journalists and political workers. He further requests the Chief Justice of Pakistan to ensure that PTI is allowed to conduct political meetings and gatherings without discrimination and that PTI leaders receive fair coverage from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority.