Asif claims PTI seeking help from 'foreign powers' to move Imran abroad

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is seeking the support of foreign powers to secure the release of its founder, Imran Khan, and facilitate his relocation abroad, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed.

"They are appealing to foreign powers to influence Pakistan to release Imran Khan and send him to a specific country," Asif stated during an interview with a private news channel on Tuesday.

The minister further claimed that these foreign nations are “ready” to welcome the PTI leader, who has been held in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail since August 2023. When asked if these nations were from Europe or the United States, Asif deflected, humorously noting he was "weak in geography."

Imran Khan has been in detention for over a year following his conviction in the Toshakhana case and subsequent charges in other cases leading up to the February 8 elections—allegations he continues to deny.

Asif’s statements follow a recent appeal by over 20 British parliamentarians urging the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to press for Khan’s release. This appeal, initiated by Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson at the request of Khan’s adviser on International Affairs, Zulfi Bukhari, included signatures from MPs and Lords across parties.

Separately, more than 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives also addressed President Joe Biden, calling on him to leverage U.S. influence with Pakistan’s government for Khan’s release.

In their letter, Democratic lawmakers asked Biden to emphasize human rights in U.S. policy towards Pakistan, stating, "We urge you to use the United States' substantial leverage with Pakistan's government to secure the release of political prisoners, including former Prime Minister Khan, and to address widespread human rights abuses." They also requested U.S. embassy officials to visit Khan, who remains in custody at Adiala Jail.