Commonwealth responds to British MP’s appeal for Imran Khan's relief

The Commonwealth Secretariat on Wednesday assured all concerned that it remains committed to and continues engaging with Pakistan authorities in upholding democratic practices after a British lawmaker asked the alliance to interject on behalf of jailed cricket legend Imran Khan.

The Commonwealth Secretariat was responding to an appeal by British House of Lords member Lord Zac Goldsmith regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the organisation takes seriously reports and correspondence concerning governance, democratic processes, human rights and the rule of law.

In a letter issued on 2 September, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey referred to Lord Zac Goldsmith’s email of 22 August and acknowledged the concerns he had raised regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In her letter, Shirley Botchwey said the Commonwealth Secretariat takes seriously reports and correspondence received concerning governance, democratic processes, human rights and the rule of law across all Commonwealth member states.

She said the Secretariat had taken note of the concerns outlined in Lord Goldsmith’s letter.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General reiterated the organisation’s position saying that the Commonwealth remains committed to working with all its member states to promote and support the principles and values set out in the Commonwealth Charter.

The letter stated that, in this regard, the Commonwealth continues its constructive engagement with Pakistan as it does with other Commonwealth member states in order to promote and uphold shared commitments and principles.

However, the Commonwealth Secretariat did not clarify in the letter what form of engagement is currently taking place with Pakistan regarding Imran Khan’s case nor whether any specific action would be taken in the future.

Zac Goldsmith had urged Commonwealth to raise matter with Pakistani authorities

British House of Lords member Lord Zac Goldsmith had appealed to the Commonwealth Secretary-General to raise the matter concerning former Prime Minister Imran Khan with the Pakistani authorities.

The letter from the Commonwealth Secretariat was issued from Marlborough House in London and bears the signature of Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey.