ISLAMABAD: As former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan faces increasing pressure in Pakistan and contempt of court as well as terrorism cases, UN secretary general António Guterres has called for an “impartial legal process” and respect for rule of law and human rights.

Pakistani police on Sunday filed terrorism charges against Khan over a speech he gave in Islamabad on Saturday in which he vowed to sue police officers and a female judge, Zeba Chaudhry, and alleged that a close aide, Dr. Shahbaz Gill had been tortured after his arrest by Islamabad police.

On Monday, an Islamabad court said it would launch contempt of court proceedings over the verbal threats to the judge, Zeba Chaudhry.

During a press briefing by Guterres’ spokesperson on Monday, when asked about the charges against Khan, Stéphane Dujarric said.

“What I can tell you is that the Secretary‑General is aware of the charges brought against the former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and he emphasises the need for a competent, independent and impartial legal process.”

She added: “The Secretary‑General urges calm, lowering of tensions and respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

Khan, who came into power in 2018 and was ousted in April in a no-confidence vote in parliament, could be disqualified for life from politics if convicted of insulting Chaudhry.

The terrorism charge against him could carry anything from several months to 14 years in prison, the equivalent of a life sentence.

Since his ouster, Khan has alleged — without providing evidence — that rival politicians in Pakistan took part in a US plot to oust him. Washington, the Pakistani military and the government of Khan’s successor, Shahbaz Sharif, have all denied the allegation.