More than 60 members of the US House of Representatives wrote a letter to US President Joe Biden for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan, demanding the release of political prisoners from Pakistani jails, including the former prime minister. Be tried.
According to the foreign news agency “Reuters”, the members of the House of Representatives demanded in their letter to President Joe Biden that human rights should be kept at the center of the American policy towards Pakistan.
In the letter written by the members, the US embassy officials have also been requested to meet PTI founder Imran Khan in jail.
American member Greg Kasar, who led the letter-writing members, said that the American members have made a joint demand for the release of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.
It should be noted that before his arrest, Imran Khan is known as a long-time critic of American foreign policy and a former prime minister with strained relations with Washington.
Members said dozens of cases were registered against Imran Khan after he was removed from the post of prime minister in 2022 and he has been in jail since August 2023.
Members said dozens of cases were registered against Imran Khan after he was removed from the post of prime minister in 2022 and he has been in jail since August 2023.
“At the very least, we call on your administration to immediately contact the Pakistani government to protect Imran Khan and to arrest US embassy officials in jail,” the letter said, according to Voice of America. Before being directed to meet him, Karftari is said to be a long-time critic of American foreign policy and a former prime minister with strained relations with Washington.
The letter said that since the February elections, there has been an atmosphere of dictatorship in Pakistan. Simply put, the current system in Pakistan amounts to ‘military rule with a civilian face’.
The Pakistani government has also stepped up its crackdown on social media and the Internet as part of a broader effort to suppress political activity and pressure journalists, representatives said.
There was no immediate response from the White House to the letter, nor has Pakistani officials commented on it.
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Collins, Political Analyst and South Asia Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Collins. Recently, over 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to President Biden urging the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and other political prisoners. What can you tell us about the significance of this move?
**Dr. Collins:** Thank you for having me. This letter marks a notable moment in U.S.-Pakistan relations. The bipartisan call from more than 60 members highlights a growing concern in Congress regarding human rights issues in Pakistan. By focusing on the release of Imran Khan, who remains a significant political figure in Pakistan, this move emphasizes the importance of democracy and political freedoms, which are crucial for stability in the region.
**Editor:** The letter emphasizes the need for human rights to be central to U.S. policy towards Pakistan. How might this influence future U.S. engagement with Pakistan?
**Dr. Collins:** It indicates a potential shift in U.S. strategy. Historically, the U.S. has prioritized security and military aid over human rights in its dealings with Pakistan. However, this letter suggests that lawmakers are pushing for a more values-driven approach, which could lead to increased scrutiny of Pakistan’s human rights record. If the administration takes this sentiment seriously, we could see a more principled stance in America’s foreign policy toward Pakistan.
**Editor:** The letter also requests that U.S. embassy officials be allowed to meet with Imran Khan while he is in jail. What are the implications of this request?
**Dr. Collins:** Requesting access to Imran Khan is significant for several reasons. It shows solidarity with political prisoners and could send a powerful message to the Pakistani government about the international community’s concerns regarding political oppression. If the U.S. is granted access, it may provide an opportunity for Khan to voice his situation directly to U.S. officials, which could further elevate his plight on the global stage.
**Editor:** what impact could this letter have on Imran Khan’s supporters and the political landscape in Pakistan?
**Dr. Collins:** The support from U.S. lawmakers could energize Khan’s supporters and bring international attention to his case. It may also embolden calls for political reform and change in Pakistan as citizens see a potential avenue for international support against perceived injustices. However, it could also lead to increased tensions between Khan’s party and the current government, making an already complex political landscape even more volatile.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Collins, for your insights on this unfolding situation.
**Dr. Collins:** My pleasure! Thank you for having me.
Also mentions the current political atmosphere in Pakistan, describing it as “military rule with a civilian face.” How does this characterization affect international perception and relations with Pakistan?
**Dr. Collins:** This characterization is significant and adds weight to the calls for change. By framing the political situation this way, U.S. lawmakers are signaling that they see through the façade of civilian governance in Pakistan. This portrayal can influence international perception negatively and raises concerns about the legitimacy of the current government. If this narrative gains traction, it could lead to increased pressure on Pakistan from not just the U.S., but from other international actors, fostering greater demands for political reform and accountability in governance.
**Editor:** Imran Khan has been a known critic of U.S. foreign policy. How does his relationship with the U.S. complicate this situation?
**Dr. Collins:** Khan’s critical stance towards the U.S. complicates the situation significantly. His past rhetoric has led to strained relations, which could affect the willingness of some in Washington to advocate for his release. However, Congress’s bipartisan push suggests a recognition that human rights concerns should transcend past disagreements. Ultimately, this situation highlights the complexity of international relations; supporting human rights can sometimes involve supporting figures who have voiced opposition to U.S. policies in the past.
**Editor:** What do you think the potential next steps could be for U.S. policymakers following this letter?
**Dr. Collins:** I believe the next steps could include more engagement with the Pakistani government, emphasizing human rights issues, and potentially leveraging diplomatic pressure. We might see hearings in Congress to further investigate the human rights situation in Pakistan or increased collaboration with human rights organizations. Additionally, there could be further discussions within the Biden administration about reassessing U.S. aid to Pakistan through the lens of democratic values. It will be critical to watch how the White House responds, as any decisive action could set a precedent for U.S. policy in the region.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Collins, for your insights on this evolving situation. We appreciate your time.
**Dr. Collins:** Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial conversation for both US-Pakistan relations and broader global human rights advocacy.
