Lawmakers Urge Biden to Secure Release of Imran Khan More than 60 Democratic members of the US House of Representatives have called on President Joe Biden to push for the release of all political prisoners in Pakistan, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a letter sent on Wednesday, the lawmakers requested Biden’s intervention following Khan’s imprisonment since his arrest in August last year.
Imran Khan Faces Multiple Charges Khan, who was ousted from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament, has been charged with various offenses, including treason, corruption, and an illegal marriage. However, Khan and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claim that these charges are baseless and aimed at preventing his return to national politics.
Human Rights at the Core of US Policy Led by US Representatives Greg Casar, Jim McGovern, and Summer Lee, the letter emphasized the need for human rights to be a cornerstone of US policy toward Pakistan. “We urge you to use the United States’ substantial influence with the Pakistani government to secure the release of political prisoners, including former Prime Minister Khan, and address widespread human rights violations,” the letter stated.
Concerns Over Pakistan’s 2023 Elections The lawmakers also raised concerns about the general elections held in Pakistan earlier this year, citing a “historic level of irregularities” that they believe has pushed the country towards authoritarianism.
Crackdown on Political Activism and Its Economic Impact The letter criticized the Pakistani government’s increased restrictions on social media and the internet, accusing it of using these measures to stifle political activism under the guise of combating “anti-state propaganda” and “digital terrorism.” The lawmakers warned that such repressive actions are not only an assault on basic human rights but are also detrimental to Pakistan’s burgeoning IT industry, potentially costing the sector $300 million.
First Collective Effort for Khan’s Release Representative Greg Casar, who spearheaded the initiative, highlighted that this marks the first collective effort by multiple US Congress members to advocate for the release of Khan, who has had a contentious relationship with Washington due to his criticism of US foreign policy.
Call for Khan’s Safety and US Embassy Support The lawmakers also urged the Biden administration to ensure Khan’s safety and requested that US embassy officials in Pakistan visit him in prison to assess his condition.
