The Biden administration confirmed on Tuesday that it has received a letter from over 60 members of Congress asking for support in securing the release of Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). During a briefing, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged the letter’s arrival and mentioned that the administration would respond in due time.
The letter, spearheaded by prominent figures like Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, requests that President Biden seek assurances from Pakistani officials regarding Khan’s safety while in custody. Imran Khan was ousted as Pakistan’s prime minister in 2022 and has faced numerous legal challenges since. He was imprisoned in August 2023, with the PTI claiming that the over 200 cases against him are politically motivated. Notably, Khan has been acquitted or granted bail in most cases, with the remaining mostly related to violence that occurred on May 9.
Miller also emphasized the U.S. commitment to promoting sustained democracy in Pakistan, highlighting a recent meeting focused on fundamental rights and freedoms. He refrained from commenting on claims connecting the release of Khan’s wife and sisters from detention to U.S. involvement, stating only that discussions centered around supporting a healthy civil society and robust democratic institutions.
The lawmakers’ letter urged the U.S. government to prioritize human rights in its policy toward Pakistan and stressed the need for diplomatic visits to monitor Khan’s prison conditions. Representative Greg Casar, who led the letter, noted that this marked the first collective appeal from U.S. lawmakers for Khan’s release, despite his history of criticizing U.S. foreign policy.
Imran Khan’s political troubles intensified after his arrest on May 9, 2023, over corruption charges, leading to violent protests from his supporters. Following this unrest, Khan reportedly reached out to Congresswoman Maxine Moore Waters, seeking advocacy against alleged human rights abuses in Pakistan. Democratic lawmakers have also voiced concerns regarding irregularities in Pakistan’s elections.
