Michael Polak Speaks at Parliamentary Panel Event on Pakistan in Crisis
On 15 January 2025, Michael Polak spoke at a panel event titled Pakistan in Crisis, organised by Friends of Democratic Pakistan and held in parliament. The event brought together key experts and stakeholders to discuss the ongoing crisis in Pakistan.
Michael shared insights from his work chairing Independent Review into the Conditions for a Free and Fair Election in Pakistan on 8 February 2024, where evidence was heard by Michael and a panel of politicians from around the world, and a report was drafted which concluded that the conditions for a free and fair election in Pakistan did not exist for the last election (report available here).
During his presentation, Michael highlighted the powerful testimony presented by experts, election candidates, and civil society activists during the evidence collection phase of the Review. He emphasised the panel’s serious concerns regarding the elections in Pakistan, and that because the conditions were not in place for a free and fair election, the Review panel had found that the result of the election could not be said to reflect the will of the people of Pakistan.
Michael also shed light on the pervasive issue of enforced disappearances, describing how they are used by dictatorial regimes in Asia and beyond to instil fear and suppress dissent. Michael further highlighted the critical role played by journalists in Pakistan and worldwide, commending their bravery in the face of severe repression by repressive regimes.
The panel event was chaired by James Frith MP and featured an esteemed panel of speakers, including Lord Hannan of Kingsclere, Safina Nazir, and Zulfi Bukhari, Imran Khan’s spokesman. Discussions focused on Pakistan’s current crisis and veer away from democracy, and its implications for the UK as well as touching on the actions that democratic governments and institutions around the world should take. Topics included the suppression of civil liberties, arbitrary arrests and detentions, military trials for civilians, transnational repression, threats against British citizens, and the broader concerns about the rule of law and accountability under international law.
Michael’s contributions reinforced the urgent need for international scrutiny and action to address these pressing issues and support democratic principles in Pakistan.
Michael can be instructed by contacting his clerks by phone (+44 (0)20 7936 3637) and email (m.polak@churchcourtchambers.co.uk).
Notes to Editors
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