Guterres met Pakistan’s military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir during his visit, with the two also discussing the threat of terrorism amid renewed political tensions…reports Asian Lite News Desk
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres may have discussed the imprisonment and health condition of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan with military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir during his recent visit to Pakistan, indications from the UN suggested.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric made the comments while responding to questions about whether Guterres had raised Khan’s detention with Munir and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
“We’re very well aware of the situation surrounding Imran Khan, and I can tell you that all of the relevant topics came up in the discussions between the Secretary-General and his Pakistani interlocutors,” Dujarric said.
Guterres met Munir during his visit at a time when thousands of Khan’s supporters were marching towards Islamabad, demanding the former prime minister’s release and calling for the protection of democratic rights.
The UN chief also held meetings with Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari during his visit to Pakistan.
The meeting between Guterres and Munir drew attention as it is unusual for a UN secretary-general to hold a high-profile meeting with a country’s military chief during an official visit.
According to Dujarric, the two also discussed the threat posed by terrorism during their meeting.
Meanwhile, a march by supporters of Khan began in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, with an estimated 5,000 participants initially taking part. The protesters, who described themselves as “Imran’s Army”, were joined by additional supporters as the march progressed towards Islamabad.
Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was removed from office in 2022 following a parliamentary process. He was arrested the following year and has remained in detention amid multiple legal cases.
His supporters have alleged that his health has deteriorated during his incarceration and have repeatedly called for his release.
The PTI was also barred from contesting the 2024 general election, which ultimately brought Sharif to power.
The developments surrounding Khan have remained a major source of political tension in Pakistan, with his supporters continuing to demand his release and raising concerns over his treatment in detention.
