Over 60 Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have sent a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to advocate for the release of all political prisoners in Pakistan, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan has been imprisoned since his arrest in August last year.
The lawmakers highlighted serious concerns over Pakistan’s February parliamentary elections, citing widespread electoral fraud and efforts to suppress voters, political leaders, and activists. They called for the immediate release of Imran Khan and his supporters from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The letter also urged Biden to secure guarantees for Khan’s safety and well-being, asking U.S. Embassy officials to visit him in prison. The lawmakers expressed concern over what they called “widespread human rights violations” in Pakistan and described the current system as resembling “military rule with a civilian facade.”
Authored by Representative Greg Casar and supported by Representatives Jim McGovern and Summer Lee, the letter emphasized that Imran Khan is a political figure with solid support across Pakistan.
