Forty-six members of the US Congress have written to President Joe Biden, expressing deep concern over the ongoing detention of Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the worsening human rights situation in Pakistan.
The letter highlights Pakistan’s continued human rights violations and the weakening of democratic principles, urging the US government to take decisive action. Lawmakers also raised alarms about alleged voter fraud and irregularities in Pakistan’s upcoming general elections in February 2024, claiming that government institutions are unfairly targeting PTI.
The members of Congress criticized the Pakistani government for withholding reports from international observers, including those from the Commonwealth and the European Union. They also condemned the suppression of free speech, large-scale arrests, unlawful detentions, and restrictions on social media.
The letter particularly emphasized the illegal detention of Imran Khan, describing him as Pakistan’s most popular political leader. It also noted that several senior PTI members, such as Yasmin Rashid and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, have been held in custody for over a year.
Congress urged the Biden administration to reassess US policies toward Pakistan, expressing disappointment that the US embassy in Islamabad has not adequately reflected the concerns of the Pakistani-American community. The lawmakers also criticized the embassy’s positive remarks about the new Pakistani government.
The letter calls on President Biden to take immediate action to stop human rights abuses in Pakistan, specifically demanding the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan. The Congress members also insisted that the new US ambassador to Pakistan prioritize promoting human rights and restoring democracy.
Hence, the letter serves as a strong reminder to the Biden administration about the growing concerns within Congress regarding the state of democracy and human rights in Pakistan, urging swift and decisive action.
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