Human rights, detention of IK: Commonwealth summons PM at London meeting, claims PTI

ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday said that the Commonwealth has summoned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appear at a meeting regarding human rights and the detention of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

According to PTI spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting is scheduled in London on March 7 (today).

In a statement, he said Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had initially been expected to represent the prime minister but withdrew a few days before the meeting, citing the conflict in Iran.

He said the summons follows growing concern within the Commonwealth over Pakistan’s rule of law, media restrictions, political freedoms, and Khan’s prolonged detention. He added that a document indicates Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Boachie asked Sharif to appear before CMAG, which is tasked with assessing member states’ adherence to the principles outlined in the Commonwealth Charter.

According to Akram, the issues expected to be raised include recent controversial constitutional amendments perceived to weaken the judiciary, the reinstatement of military courts for civilians, and Khan’s continued detention.

The document reportedly refers to these matters as “allegations of restrictions on media and political freedoms.”

He explained that CMAG has the authority to reprimand member states, conduct formal investigations, and recommend suspension in cases of “serious or persistent violations” of the Commonwealth Charter.

Pakistan’s membership has been suspended twice before: after General Pervez Musharraf’s 1999 coup and following the 2007 state of emergency.

Akram said the Commonwealth sent a letter last November expressing concern over rising state repression, marking the first time it specifically referenced Khan’s detention, which has lasted over two years.

He added that CMAG ministers had requested an official report on Pakistan’s progress on the rule of law at a September 2025 meeting, but the government’s response was deemed unsatisfactory.

The PTI spokesman further stated that the upcoming meeting will address Khan’s treatment, which the party claims has included prolonged solitary confinement.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026