Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent reports he has received on the arrest of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan; and whether he has made recent representations to his counterpart in Pakistan on the arrest.

The UK has a longstanding and close relationship with Pakistan. The arrest, detention and sentencing of the former Prime Minister is an internal matter for Pakistan. We continue to monitor the situation closely and engage regularly across the political spectrum. In a letter to caretaker Foreign Minister Jilani on 21 August, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon impressed the need for Pakistan's citizens to be able to exercise their democratic rights and participate in peaceful, inclusive, credible elections.