Over 60 members of the US House of Representatives have written to President Joe Biden, calling on him to pressure the Pakistani government to release PTI founder Imran Khan and other political prisoners. The former prime minister has been in prison since August 2023 following his conviction in multiple cases, ahead of Pakistan’s February 8 elections.
The Democratic congressmen emphasized the need for human rights to be a priority in US policy toward Pakistan. In their letter, they urged President Biden to use America’s leverage to secure the release of political detainees, including Khan, and to address ongoing human rights abuses.
They also requested US embassy officials visit Imran Khan in Adiala Jail and sought assurances regarding his safety. The letter, led by US Representative Greg Casar, marks the first collective call from US lawmakers for Khan’s release, despite his past critical stance on US foreign policy.
The congressmen also expressed concerns over reported irregularities in Pakistan’s recent elections, which Washington, along with the EU, UN, and Britain, said were not free or fair. Though disqualified from running, candidates backed by Imran Khan won the most seats, but the PML-N and PPP parties formed a coalition government.
