More than 60 members of the US House of Representatives have urged President Joe Biden to intervene and advocate for the release of political prisoners in Pakistan, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
In a letter addressed to the president, the lawmakers emphasized, “We echo the calls for Khan’s immediate release and for an end to widespread arbitrary detention of party members and activists in Pakistan.” They also urged the Biden administration to obtain assurances from the Pakistani government for Khan’s safety and well-being, calling for US embassy officials to visit him in prison.
The letter further emphasized the importance of centering human rights in US foreign policy towards Pakistan. “We stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan and their efforts to rebuild a truly representative democracy,” it stated, highlighting support from Pakistani-American constituents and global community leaders.
This marks the first formal appeal from US Congress members for the release of Imran Khan, following the introduction of House Resolution 901, which called for US support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan.
The letter also expressed concern over the Pakistani government’s suppression of social media and internet freedoms. Authored by Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35), and co-led by Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12), it garnered signatures from notable members including Barbara Lee, Brad Sherman, Raja Krishnamurti, Judy Chu, Maxine Waters, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ro Khanna, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar.
