More than 60 Democratic lawmakers from the U.S. House of Representatives have called on President Joe Biden to use the United States’ leverage to advocate for the release of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a letter sent on Wednesday, the legislators expressed concern over political prisoners and human rights abuses in Pakistan, marking a significant push by U.S. lawmakers to intervene in the ongoing political turmoil in the country.
Lawmakers Demand Action on Human Rights
The letter, led by U.S. Representative Greg Casar, represents the first major collective effort from members of Congress to pressure the Biden administration on Khan’s behalf. “We write today to 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 curtail widespread human rights abuses,” the lawmakers stated.
Imran Khan, who served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 until his removal in 2022, has been in jail since August 2023. He faces numerous legal cases that he claims are politically motivated, following his ouster after a falling out with Pakistan’s military. Khan’s arrest has raised alarms internationally, with his supporters and several human rights organizations questioning the legitimacy of the charges against him and the fairness of Pakistan’s upcoming February elections, which Khan has been disqualified from contesting.
Khan’s Strained Relationship with the U.S. and Political Rivals
Khan, a longstanding critic of U.S. foreign policy, has historically had a rocky relationship with Washington. Despite this, U.S. lawmakers now find themselves advocating for his release, reflecting the broader concerns about Pakistan’s political situation and the fairness of its judicial process. The former prime minister led a protest movement against the government of current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accusing the coalition of his political rivals of orchestrating his removal with the backing of Pakistan’s military. The military has denied any interference in political matters.
Representative Casar emphasized the significance of this call for action, particularly as it reflects a united stance among multiple members of Congress. It underscores growing concerns in Washington over Pakistan’s human rights record, especially as it relates to political repression ahead of the upcoming elections.
Concerns Over Pakistan’s Elections
The letter also highlighted concerns about potential irregularities in Pakistan’s election process. While Pakistan’s government and election commission deny any wrongdoing, international bodies, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States, have raised doubts about the fairness of the February vote. Washington, in particular, has said the election cannot be considered free and fair due to the political environment in Pakistan, where opposition leaders like Khan have been disqualified from running.
Although Khan himself will not contest the election, candidates from his political party secured the highest number of seats, yet a coalition government formed by his rivals remains in power.
International Human Rights Advocacy
The United Nations has also weighed in on Khan’s detention. A U.N. human rights working group declared in July that Khan’s imprisonment violated international law, adding to the growing global outcry over his treatment. U.S. lawmakers are now adding their voices to this call, urging the Biden administration to take a stronger stance on human rights in Pakistan.
The letter from U.S. lawmakers marks an escalation in international pressure on Pakistan to release Imran Khan and address concerns about human rights abuses. With the February elections approaching and ongoing tensions between political parties and the military, the situation in Pakistan is being closely monitored by the international community. As U.S. legislators push for action, all eyes will be on how the Biden administration navigates this delicate diplomatic issue.
