Release Imran Khan immediately
Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to urge Pakistan to immediately release Imran Khan, disband closed military tribunals, hold internationally supervised free elections and restore Supreme Court independence. The government responds that Canada monitors developments.
Why we would sign this petition
- It would press for immediate release and due-process protections for Imran Khan, addressing petitioners' claim he remains detained without a free, fair, public trial.
- It would seek to end closed military tribunals and restore Supreme Court independence, strengthening legal protections for civilians and political actors facing prosecution.
- Internationally supervised elections could increase transparency and public confidence after petitioners' allegations of mass rigging, helping restore democratic legitimacy.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- It asks Canada to press another sovereign state on sensitive legal and military matters, which some may view as interference in Pakistan's domestic affairs.
- International supervision and dismantling military tribunals may be impractical or ineffective, and external pressure could complicate efforts to resolve disputes.
- Demanding release of a named individual or legal changes risks straining diplomatic relations and may exceed Canada's practical ability to secure desired outcomes.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Government of Canada Whereas: Pakistani Canadians are significantly concerned about the continued detention of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, without a free, fair and open trial, more than two years after he was first arrested. And Whereas: Over 200 members and supporters of the former Prime Minister's political party were recently tried in and sentenced by military tribunals without any public hearings. And Whereas: Free and fair elections in Pakistan remain a distant hope, after widespread reports of massive rigging of the February 2024 general elections held in that country. And Whereas: In October 2024, the independence of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and its ability to protect democratic and political rights in Pakistan were significantly crippled by the constitutional amendments effected by the Government and Military Leadership of Pakistan. Now Therefore: We, the undersigned residents of Canada, ask the Government of Canada to call upon the Government and the Military Leadership of Pakistan to immediately release the former Prime Minister, Imran Khan; to immediately disband the military tribunals conducting closed trials of Pakistan's political leaders and civilians; to hold free and fair elections under international supervision; and to restore the institutional independence of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Rob Oliphant The Government of Canada is aware of the latest political developments in Pakistan and continues to monitor the situation. Canada joins civil society, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, in their concerns about the democratic process surrounding the February 2024 elections, including cellular and Internet service disruptions and attacks on media workers. Canada supports free, fair, and inclusive electoral processes and condemns all acts of political violence, which are attacks on democracy. Canada remains committed to supporting the people of Pakistan in their aspirations for a more stable, prosperous and democratic future. The promotion and protection of human rights, democratic values, media freedom, and respect for the rule of law are integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy and are key priorities for Canada’s engagement in Pakistan. Canada considers diplomacy, advocacy and programming activities to be among the most effective ways of promoting these priorities in Pakistan. Global Affairs Canada officials regularly raise these topics with senior Pakistani government officials, opposition parties, and local and religious leaders. Canada also supports civil society in Pakistan through its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives to fund locally implemented projects focused on advancing inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law. Regarding the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the use of military tribunals to prosecute civilians, Canada does not interfere in Pakistan’s domestic political affairs or legal processes, nor does Canada support any specific individuals or parties. Canadian officials engage with parties and individuals across the political spectrum in Pakistan. As part of regular interactions with government officials and opposition parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Canadian officials request that all legal and democratic principles be upheld in a fair manner, in accordance with international law and treaties to which Pakistan is a party. Canada will continue to be a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic values in Pakistan.