Over 60 US lawmakers urge Biden to press for Imran Khan's release, safety
1. Democratic lawmakers urge President Biden to prioritise human rights in US policy towards Pakistan
Over 60 members of the United States House of Representatives have written to President Joe Biden, urging him to leverage Washington's influence with Islamabad to secure the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August last year. Khan's incarceration followed his conviction in the Toshakhana case and other charges ahead of the February 8 elections, allegations he denies.
In their letter, Democratic lawmakers called on Biden to prioritize human rights in U.S. policy toward Pakistan. They stated, "We urge you to use the United States' significant leverage with Pakistan's government to secure the release of political prisoners, including former Prime Minister Khan, and address widespread human rights abuses."
The letter also requested that U.S. embassy officials visit Khan, who is currently detained in Adiala Jail. This marks the first collective appeal from multiple members of Congress for Khan's release, despite his historically strained relationship with Washington as a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy. Representative Greg Casar, who led the initiative, noted that following Khan's ouster in 2022 through a no-confidence vote, several cases were filed against him, leading to his imprisonment since August 2023.
The lawmakers also emphasized the need for U.S. assurances regarding Khan's safety and well-being in custody. Additionally, they raised concerns about alleged irregularities in Pakistan's recent elections. While the Pakistani government has denied any unfair treatment of Khan, and the election commission rejected claims of rigging, international observers, including Washington, Britain, the European Union, and the United Nations, expressed concerns about the fairness of the February vote.
Imran Khan, disqualified by Pakistan’s election watchdog following his conviction in the Toshakhana case, did not participate in the general elections. However, candidates backed by his party won the most seats, though his rivals from PML-N and PPP formed a coalition government.
