US Congressman Joe Wilson has strongly condemned the military’s interference in Pakistan’s politics and urged the immediate release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a letter to Pakistani authorities, Wilson emphasized that the US-Pakistan relationship has always been strongest when Islamabad adheres to democratic principles and respects the rule of law.
“A strong U.S.-Pakistan relationship is in the national interest of both of our countries,” Wilson wrote. While acknowledging his political disagreements with Khan—particularly regarding his stance on China and Russia—Wilson maintained that democracy cannot function if political opponents are jailed on politicized charges rather than being defeated at the ballot box.
Grateful to send this letter today to the political and military leaders of Pakistan to Free Imran Khan. I will also be engaging the Trump administration on this issue.
US-Pakistan relations are strongest when Pakistan is democratic
Free Imran Khan pic.twitter.com/szQ8QCowkz
— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) February 6, 2025
He called on Pakistan to uphold democratic institutions, human rights, and fundamental freedoms, including due process, press freedom, and the right to peaceful assembly. “I urge Pakistan to free Imran Khan. Such a step would be a major move toward strengthening U.S.-Pakistan relations,” he stated.
Congressional Condemnation of Pakistan’s Military
Wilson also delivered a speech on the floor of the US House of Representatives, directly blaming the Pakistani military for undermining democracy.
My speech in Congress today.
FREE IMRAN KHAN pic.twitter.com/PiH9WY4PHE
— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) February 7, 2025
“Pakistan is an appreciated partner for seventy years of the United States, and our relationship is strongest when Pakistan embraces democratic principles and the rule of law,” he said. “Sadly, Pakistan’s military has undermined democracy by jailing former Prime Minister Imran Khan.”
Drawing a parallel to former President Donald Trump’s legal battles, Wilson pointed out how political persecution is a danger to democracy. “President Donald Trump survived a corrupt judicial system prosecuting him, and he understands the dangers of politically motivated cases. Pakistan should release Imran Khan, restoring democracy,” he asserted.
Global Condemnation of Khan’s Arrest
Khan’s imprisonment has drawn widespread criticism from international human rights organizations and legal bodies. Amnesty International condemned his detention as politically motivated and a violation of fair trial standards. In a September 11, 2024, statement, Amnesty said, “Amnesty International calls on the Pakistani authorities to immediately release Imran Khan from arbitrary pre-trial detention.”
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has also declared that his imprisonment violates international law.
#Pakistan #UnitedNations : The UN Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention demands that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be released without delay, that he be compensated, and that the government take action against those accountable for violating his rights.… pic.twitter.com/L3MtdilRCg
— International Human Rights Foundation (@IHRF_English) July 1, 2024
Trump Administration’s Position on Pakistan’s Crackdown
Pakistan’s 2024 general elections, marred by allegations of fraud and manipulation, saw the military-backed PML-N-PPP coalition take power while sidelining Khan’s PTI. The US Congress responded with Human Rights Resolution 901, condemning the rigged elections and Pakistan’s repression of political opposition. The resolution cited widespread voter intimidation, a lack of transparency, and the use of state institutions to crush dissent.
Read More: Imran Khan vs. the System: A Nation at Crossroads
Unlike the previous administration, which largely ignored Pakistan’s political crisis, the Trump White House has taken a firmer stance on democratic backsliding in Islamabad. Senior administration officials have signaled a possible reassessment of US-Pakistan ties if democratic norms continue to be violated.
Wilson’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment within the Republican-led Congress that military-backed repression in Pakistan will no longer be tolerated. With Washington now openly pressuring Islamabad, the ball is in Pakistan’s court—either it takes steps to restore democratic order, or it risks facing diplomatic and economic consequences under the new US administration.