More than 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have written a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to use Washington’s influence with Islamabad to advocate for the release of Imran Khan, the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 following his conviction in the Toshakhana case and subsequent sentencing in other cases ahead of the February 8 elections—allegations he denies.
Today, I led over 60 Members of Congress in a letter supporting human rights & democracy in Pakistan and calling for the release of political prisoners — including former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
— Congressman Greg Casar (@RepCasar) October 23, 2024
In their letter, the Democratic lawmakers called on President Biden to prioritize human rights in U.S. policy towards Pakistan. They requested that he leverage the U.S.’s significant influence with the Pakistani government to secure the release of political prisoners, including Khan, and to address widespread human rights violations. The letter also appealed for U.S. embassy officials to visit Khan, who is currently being held at Adiala Jail.
I am proud to have joined my colleagues in urging the Biden administration to support human rights and democracy in #Pakistan and calling for the release of #ImranKhan and other political prisoners.
Once again, I call for the U.S. Ambassador to visit Imran Khan in jail. https://t.co/xoxFNLgivJ
— Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) October 23, 2024
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This letter marks the first collective appeal from multiple members of Congress for Khan’s release, despite his historically tense relationship with Washington as a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy. U.S. Representative Greg Casar, who spearheaded the letter, noted that following Khan’s removal from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022, numerous cases were filed against him, leading to his imprisonment in August 2023.
The letter also urged the U.S. administration to ensure Khan’s safety and well-being while in custody. Additionally, the lawmakers expressed concerns about alleged irregularities in Pakistan’s elections earlier this year. Although Pakistan’s government and its election commission denied accusations of unfair treatment and rigged elections, Washington stated that the February vote could not be considered free and fair, with similar concerns raised by Britain, the European Union, and the United Nations.
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Khan was disqualified from running in the elections after his conviction in the Toshakhana case, but candidates he supported secured the most seats. Nevertheless, rival parties PML-N and PPP formed a coalition government.
