Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued a strong public statement criticizing the ongoing detention and treatment of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Writing an article for Daily Mail, accompanied by a video message and social media posts, Johnson highlighted Khan's positive contributions during his tenure, including advancements in education, healthcare, environmental reforms, and effective pandemic management.
Johnson detailed the harsh conditions of Khan's imprisonment, noting that he and his wife have been subjected to prolonged solitary confinement in unlit cells, with frequent electricity outages designed to break his resolve. Furthermore, Johnson pointed out that Khan's sons, Kasim and Suleiman, who are British citizens, have been repeatedly denied visas to visit their father. He asserted that Khan's primary offense in the eyes of the military establishment is his unwavering commitment to genuine democracy and his massive public following, which the military leadership views as a threat to their political dominance.
This intervention marks the most significant high-profile political condemnation from a Western leader regarding Pakistan's internal political crisis. While previous statements have come from human rights advocates and opposition figures, a former head of government speaking out so directly exposes the actions of the military establishment on an international stage. Analysts suggest this development could increase diplomatic pressure on Pakistan's regime and encourage other international leaders to reevaluate their silence on human rights violations and suppression of democratic mandates in the region.
