The Biden administration has confirmed it received a letter from over 60 US Congress members. The letter urges the White House to advocate for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan. This collective appeal has amplified the international spotlight on Khan’s detention in Pakistan.
During a briefing on Tuesday, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed receipt of the Congress members’ letter. Miller noted that the Biden administration would “respond in due course” but did not provide a specific timeline. This acknowledgment highlights US interest in Pakistan’s political developments and democratic stability.
Congressional Concerns Led by Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib
The letter to President Biden is led by prominent Congress members, including Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. It calls on the Biden administration to seek guarantees from Pakistani authorities for Imran Khan’s safety while in custody. The appeal reflects concerns over the treatment of political detainees in Pakistan and emphasizes the importance of human rights in US-Pakistan relations.
Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former prime minister, was removed from office in 2022. Since then, he has faced over 200 legal cases, which the PTI party claims are politically motivated. In August 2023, he was imprisoned, further escalating tensions between Khan’s supporters and the Pakistani government. Despite the charges, Khan has been acquitted or granted bail in most cases against him, although some cases related to violence on May 9 remain pending.
Miller further reiterated US support for a “sustained democracy” in Pakistan. He highlighted a recent meeting between US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy and Human Rights Monica Jacobson and Pakistan’s Human Rights Secretary in Islamabad. The discussions focused on protecting fundamental rights and freedoms within Pakistan, underscoring the US’s stance on democratic values.
Spokesperson Declines to Comment on Family’s Release
The spokesperson declined to address claims that US involvement led to the release of Khan’s wife and sisters from detention. Miller stated only that discussions emphasized “support for a vibrant civil society and strong democratic institutions.” This response left questions unanswered about the extent of US influence on recent Pakistani government actions.
The letter from Congress members emphasizes that the US should prioritize human rights protections in its policy toward Pakistan. The lawmakers urged the administration to conduct diplomatic visits to monitor Imran Khan’s condition in prison, highlighting an ongoing concern for his safety.
On October 24, around 60 Democratic lawmakers from the US House of Representatives wrote directly to President Biden. The lawmakers pressed him to use US influence to secure the release of political prisoners in Pakistan, including Imran Khan. US Representative Greg Casar led this appeal, marking the first such unified request from multiple Congress members for Khan’s release.
Khan’s Arrest Sparks Political Unrest
Imran Khan’s political turmoil intensified after his arrest on May 9, 2023, on corruption charges. The arrest triggered widespread protests from PTI supporters, leading to violent incidents, including an assault on army headquarters in Rawalpindi and the burning of a corps commander’s residence in Lahore. The unrest underscored the growing tension between Khan’s supporters and Pakistan’s government institutions.
Following the unrest, an audio conversation surfaced online where Imran Khan reportedly reached out to US Congresswoman Maxine Moore Waters. In the call, Khan appealed to her to address alleged human rights abuses in Pakistan, citing an escalating crackdown on PTI members.
Concerns Over Pakistan’s Election Process
The Democratic lawmakers also raised concerns about irregularities in Pakistan’s electoral process. Their letter emphasized the importance of fair and transparent elections, stressing that political stability and democratic integrity are essential for Pakistan’s future.
This letter adds pressure on the Biden administration to take a stronger stance on human rights and democratic practices in Pakistan, setting a new precedent in US-Pakistan relations.
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