Branson, co-founder of the Virgin Group, took to X (formerly Twitter) to appeal for the release of his friend.
“It’s not cricket. Imran Khan should be released immediately by Pakistan’s authorities. His arbitrary detention casts a dark shadow on respect for democracy and rule of law in Pakistan,” he wrote.
His post accompanied an old picture of himself with the PTI founder, along with a link to a Time magazine article titled, “Fears Grow for Health of Pakistan’s Jailed Former Prime Minister Imran Khan.”
Canadian billionaire Jeffery Skoll, who owns Participant Media company, also shared Branson’s post, stating that Imran Khan had been sentenced on false charges.
“It is unconscionable that a democracy can act this way while the world stands idly by,” Skoll remarked.
