Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan's Members of National Assembly (MNAs) have expressed strong disapproval of a recent letter from 62 US Congress members, that urged President Joe Biden to intervene and secure the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). founder Imran Khan.
Approximately 160 lawmakers responded by sending a letter to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, denouncing the congressional appeal as an infringement on Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Among those voicing their concerns were prominent figures such as Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Naveed Qamar, Mustafa Kamal, Aasiya Naz Tanoli, and Khalid Magsi.
They called on Prime Minister Sharif to formally communicate to the US Congress that Pakistan is currently facing significant democratic challenges exacerbated by what they described as destabilizing politics.
The lawmakers' letter contained serious allegations against Khan, accusing him of inciting political violence and threatening state institutions.
They referred specifically to the unrest that erupted on May 9, 2023, when protests reportedly instigated by Khan targeted key government buildings, including Parliament and state media offices.
The correspondence also pointed out that Khan’s controversial tactics are not new, recalling previous instances in August 2014 and May 2022 when his actions allegedly led to national turmoil.
They claimed that Khan continues to stir unrest even while incarcerated, particularly through social media, which they characterized as a form of "digital terrorism."
Additionally, the letter suggested that discontented expatriates in the US and UK have contributed to Khan's negative portrayal, raising alarms about the activities of their nationals in those countries.
Just last week, around 60 Democratic lawmakers from the US House of Representatives wrote to President Biden, urging him to use America’s leverage to advocate for Khan’s release and address ongoing human rights violations in Pakistan.
Representative Greg Casar, who spearheaded the initiative, highlighted that this marked the first collective call from multiple US Congress members for Khan’s release, despite his fraught relationship with the US due to his criticisms of its foreign policy.
Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 and faces a multitude of legal challenges following his ousting as prime minister in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote.
He has claimed that his removal was the result of a conspiracy led by the US and involvement from Pakistan's military, while he firmly denies all charges against him, asserting that they are politically motivated.
The pending legal cases primarily relate to the violence on May 9, although he has achieved acquittals or bail in many instances. Khan is also embroiled in a corruption case involving a university land deal, where he and his wife are alleged to have benefited unlawfully.
In July, a UN human rights working group asserted that Khan's detention violated international law, while both the US and Pakistani military have distanced themselves from any involvement in his removal, describing it as a legitimate democratic process.
