More than 60 members of the US House of Representatives have written a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to use America’s influence with Pakistan to secure the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, and to prioritize human rights in US-Pakistan relations.
Imran Khan has been in prison since August 2023 after his conviction in the Toshakhana case and other charges related to the February 8 elections, which he denies.
In the letter, the Democratic lawmakers asked Biden to address human rights concerns in Pakistan, including the release of political prisoners such as Khan. They also urged US embassy officials to visit Imran in Adiala Jail to ensure his safety and well-being.
The letter, led by US Representative Greg Casar, marked the first collective call from members of Congress to advocate for Imran Khan’s release. The lawmakers expressed concerns about irregularities in Pakistan’s February elections and stressed the importance of fair treatment for the former prime minister.
Imran Khan has been a vocal critic of US foreign policy but has gained widespread support despite being ousted in 2022 and disqualified from contesting the recent elections. The Pakistani government has denied any unfair treatment, but international organizations, including the US, Britain, the EU, and the UN, have raised concerns about the fairness of the elections.