- U.S. lawmakers urge Biden to address Imran Khan’s detention, citing human rights violations in Pakistan.
- Pakistani government accuses PTI of inviting foreign interference for political gain.
- Bipartisan letter highlights alleged election fraud and curbs on civil liberties in Pakistan.
- PPP and PML-N condemn the appeal, calling it a challenge to Pakistan’s sovereignty.
In an unprecedented bipartisan appeal, 46 U.S. lawmakers have urged President Joe Biden to press the Pakistani government for the release of Imran Khan and other “political prisoners” before his term ends on January 20, 2025. The move has sparked sharp reactions from the Pakistani government and its diplomatic mission in Washington, highlighting tensions over accusations of human rights violations and alleged electoral misconduct in Pakistan.
The Appeal For Imran Khan
The letter, signed by a mix of Democrats and Republicans, represents growing concern in Washington over Pakistan’s domestic political landscape following the February 2024 elections. Initiated jointly by Democratic Congresswoman Susan Wild and Republican Congressman John James, it underscores allegations of electoral fraud, suppression of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and curbs on civil liberties.
Drawing on bipartisan support, the lawmakers cited “H. Res. 901,” a resolution passed in June 2024, as a framework for U.S. intervention. The resolution calls for upholding democratic principles and human rights as part of bilateral engagement with Pakistan.
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Central to the appeal is Imran Khan’s detention, which the lawmakers described as emblematic of Pakistan’s “deteriorating human rights situation.” They emphasized findings from the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and Amnesty International, calling Khan “Pakistan’s most popular political figure” and demanding his immediate release alongside other PTI leaders, including Yasmin Rashid and Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
The letter also criticized the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad for prematurely congratulating the new administration, allegedly ignoring widespread concerns about the legitimacy of the elections. The lawmakers urged Biden to ensure that the incoming U.S. ambassador to Pakistan prioritizes human rights and democratic values.
Pakistani Government’s Response
The letter has been met with fierce resistance from Pakistan’s ruling coalition, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused PTI of inviting foreign interference to destabilize the country.
PML-N leader Rana Mashhood dismissed the letter’s allegations as baseless, criticizing PTI’s apparent U-turn on foreign intervention. “This is the same PTI that once championed the slogan of ‘absolutely not’ to U.S. interference. Now, they are openly inviting it,” he said.
Mashhood also questioned the lawmakers’ selective approach to human rights, pointing out their silence on atrocities in Kashmir. He accused PTI of prioritizing political gains over national sovereignty and stability.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman echoed these sentiments, describing the letter as a “direct challenge” to Pakistan’s political and judicial independence. She criticized PTI’s alleged lobbying efforts in the U.S., calling them hypocritical given the party’s previous accusations of American involvement in Khan’s ouster in 2022.
Rehman contrasted PTI’s actions with the PPP’s historical stance, recalling how former President Asif Ali Zardari endured over a decade of imprisonment without seeking foreign intervention. “Political parties in Pakistan have traditionally relied on domestic institutions to address their grievances. PTI’s approach undermines this precedent,” she stated.
The Broader Context
The February 2024 elections in Pakistan, deemed “flawed” by international observers, have remained a contentious issue. Reports from the Commonwealth Observer Group and the European Union pointed to irregularities, alleged electoral fraud, and suppression of the opposition.
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Since the elections, the PTI has accused the government of orchestrating a crackdown on dissent, including mass arrests and restrictions on freedom of expression. The alleged “firewalling” of social media platforms and throttling of internet access have further fueled concerns about shrinking democratic space.
For Washington, the situation poses a diplomatic dilemma. While the Biden administration has maintained strategic ties with Pakistan, growing bipartisan pressure to address human rights concerns could complicate relations.
Implications for Pakistan
The U.S. lawmakers’ letter underscores a growing international spotlight on Pakistan’s domestic politics. While it may embolden PTI’s supporters, it also risks deepening divisions within Pakistan’s political landscape. The ruling coalition’s strong rejection of the letter reflects concerns about sovereignty and external meddling.
At the same time, the appeal highlights PTI’s evolving strategy to leverage international platforms to challenge the government. Critics argue this approach undermines Pakistan’s political institutions, while supporters view it as a legitimate response to systemic repression.
Significan Development
The bipartisan appeal by U.S. lawmakers is a significant development, signaling growing unease in Washington about Pakistan’s democratic trajectory. However, the sharp backlash from Pakistan’s ruling coalition indicates that any perceived foreign interference could further polarize the country’s political environment.
As Biden weighs his response, he must navigate a delicate balance between upholding democratic principles and maintaining strategic relations with an important regional ally. For Pakistan, the episode underscores the urgent need to address domestic grievances to avoid external scrutiny and ensure political stability.