The spokesperson was asked whether the UN secretary-general supports a recommendation by the UN Group on Arbitrary Detention to release the incarcerated PTI founder. In reply, the spokesperson acknowledged the independent panel s recommendation.

Dujarric said, "We want to see the current political situation, the current situation of Mr Khan, evolve in a much more positive way.”

Also read: Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, others acquitted in ECP protest case

A day earlier, a United Nations human rights working group said former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been arbitrarily imprisoned in violation of international law.

In an opinion issued on Monday, the Geneva-based UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said the “appropriate remedy would be to release Mr Khan immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law”.

However, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar rebuffed the UN body’s recommendations and said the former premier’s detention was an “internal matter”.

Also read: Imran declines PM Shehbaz’s invitation to hold talks

The minister said that relief granted to the PTI founder in various cases reflects Pakistan s commitment to transparent and impartial trials, adhering to constitutional principles, laws, and international standards.

Moreover, the US State Department has also commented, stating that Khan s detention is an internal matter for Pakistan.

This statement was part of a broader discussion during a recent press briefing where Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department, addressed various concerns involving Pakistan and Afghanistan.