Confirm Imran Khan’s health

AI summary

Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to confirm Imran Khan’s medical condition, secure independent medical and family and legal access, and call for his humanitarian release. The government responds that it is monitoring concerns.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the Government of Canada Mr. Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, is currently detained in Pakistan; Credible reports indicate that Mr. Khan’s health is deteriorating while in custody, including significant vision impairment; and Mr. Khan’s sisters publicly stated during a press conference that, during a brief meeting, he expressed fears for his life and concerns that he could be harmed while in jail under the current Pakistani authorities. We, the undersigned, Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Request that the Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan urgently seek formal confirmation of Mr. Khan’s current medical condition and advocate for his immediate access to independent ophthalmological and other necessary medical specialists; 2. Press for full transparency regarding Mr. Khan’s health status and ensure that he is granted unrestricted and regular access to his family members and legal counsel; 3. Publicly call for the immediate release of Mr. Imran Khan on humanitarian grounds, particularly should credible medical evidence confirm that his health is deteriorating in custody; and 4. Advocate for the release of all other political prisoners in Pakistan who may be facing similar due process violations, denial of medical care, or custodial mistreatment, in accordance with international human rights standards.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Parliamentary Secretary Rob Oliphant The Government of Canada continues to monitor the situation regarding the legal proceedings and imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and broader political developments in Pakistan. Canada supports a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process and condemns any use of violence for political goals. Following the February 2024 National Assembly and provincial assembly elections in Pakistan, Global Affairs Canada issued a statement condemning the incidents of electoral violence and joining civil society in their concerns about the lack of free, fair, and transparent process. Canada continues to bring the concerns raised by civil society organizations and human rights defenders to the attention of the Government of Pakistan in its engagement, including through the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad. Canada does not interfere in Pakistan’s domestic political affairs or legal processes, nor does Canada support any specific individuals or parties. As part of regular interactions across the political spectrum in Pakistan, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Canadian officials request that all legal and democratic principles be upheld in a fair manner. Canadian officials continue to engage with the National Commission for Human Rights and relevant Pakistani officials regarding individuals incarcerated following May 9, 2023, including prison conditions, the use of military courts, protection concerns, and ensuring due process. Canada believes democracy is integral to a peaceful and prosperous future for Pakistan and, to this end, supports programs that help strengthen Pakistan’s democratic institutions. Canada considers diplomacy, advocacy, and programming activities to be among the most effective ways of promoting democracy, human rights, and respect for the rule of law are integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy and key priorities for our engagement in Pakistan. Canada continues to advance an inclusive approach to democracy, one that allows people of all groups to participate in decision-making processes and institutions that impact their lives. Global Affairs Canada has also funded inclusive governance programming in Pakistan, in the amount of $20.5 million over five years, which focused on supporting women’s political participation and leadership to promote gender equality and diversity in democratic processes. 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. The Government of Canada remains committed to monitoring issues of human rights and free and fair elections, on an ongoing basis, and engaging in productive conversations with the Government of Pakistan on these topics. 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 and principles.