Amnesty International’s South Asia Regional Office said today that two years have passed since former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest on 5 August 2023, and anxieties are escalating over his treatment in custody.

His relatives have voiced worries about prison officials’ conduct, especially regarding the alleged arbitrary denial of access to legal representatives and specific family members, the Amnesty highlighted these concerns in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). The organization also noted a broader crackdown on Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

It said more than one hundred PTI members, including high-ranking officials, were recently found guilty by anti-terrorism courts for their involvement in the 9 May 2023 demonstrations. This follows the earlier conviction of 85 citizens by military courts for the same protests. These legal proceedings raise significant questions about adherence to due process rights.

PTI members and backers have faced substantial limitations on their freedoms, especially regarding peaceful assembly and association. Following nationwide demonstrations this week, numerous PTI supporters and members were reportedly unlawfully detained, with many still in custody, the Amnesty said.

Amnesty International urged Pakistani officials to uphold the right to protest and facilitate peaceful gatherings. The human rights organization emphasized the importance of ensuring due process for Khan, PTI members, and supporters, enabling them to contest their detentions through fair and public hearings before impartial and independent courts. Amnesty also called for an end to military trials of civilians, citing their incompatibility with Pakistan”s international human rights obligations.