Imran Khan’s imprisonment is no longer just a national issue for Pakistan; it has drawn the attention of U.S. lawmakers. On October 10, 2024, Congressmen Thomas R. Suozzi of New York and Jack Bergman of Michigan, co-chairs of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, expressing grave concerns about the former Pakistani Prime Minister’s health and alleged solitary confinement. This letter signifies growing international attention on Khan’s treatment, particularly from the influential Pakistani American community.
Congress Demands Answers from the State Department
The letter from Congressmen Suozzi and Bergman highlighted the anxiety among their constituents about Imran Khan’s imprisonment.
They referenced reports from Pakistani Americans about protests and concerns regarding Khan’s well-being. The lawmakers urged Blinken to provide a written update on Khan’s condition and requested quarterly updates from the State Department to ensure they stay informed. In addition, they called for an official briefing on the situation in Pakistan, highlighting the urgency of the matter and the growing pressure from U.S. legislators to address Khan’s imprisonment on the international stage.
Read More: Imran Khan Appeals to UN Over Controversial Constitutional Amendments
Isolation Sparks Widespread Anxiety
Domestically, concerns about Imran Khan’s isolation in prison continue to escalate. Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Information and Public Relations, voiced his frustration at the federal government’s decision to ban all visitations to Khan. Speaking at a press conference, Saif emphasized that this ban, combined with alarming reports of Khan’s deteriorating health, had left Khan’s supporters and party members in a state of distress. He criticized the unprecedented move to isolate the former Prime Minister from his legal counsel, family, and other visitors, calling it a violation of basic legal rights.
Human Rights Violations Alleged by Barrister Saif
Alongside concerns about Khan’s treatment, Barrister Saif also raised serious allegations of human rights abuses by federal authorities. He pointed to the illegal detentions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly member Anwar Zeb Khan and provincial cabinet member Malik Liaqat, describing these actions as evidence of “fascist tendencies” by the federal government. Saif accused the Sharif family of undermining Pakistan’s democratic foundations in an effort to cling to power, warning that such tactics would ultimately fail. He vowed that PTI would continue its legal and political battle against what he called the government’s “malicious designs.”
Condemnation of Federal Vandalism
Saif also condemned the recent acts of vandalism at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, which he labeled as an “assault on the federation itself.” He denounced the federal authorities’ involvement in these actions and warned that those responsible would face accountability. Saif issued a stern warning that PTI would respond forcefully if violence continued against individuals from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, signaling the party’s readiness to escalate the fight if necessary.
Read More: Imran Khan and PTI Leaders Charged in Policeman’s Death During Islamabad Protest
Meanwhile, security at Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is being held, has been tightened in light of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. All visitations have been suspended until October 18, with federal authorities justifying the decision by citing security concerns. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused PTI of plotting to disrupt the summit, further justifying the heightened measures. However, Saif strongly criticized these restrictions, seeing them as an unjust attempt to further isolate Khan during a critical political period.