WASHINGTON: 46 members of US Congress have expressed grave concern over erosion of democratic values in Pakistan, by means of a correspondence sent to President Joe Biden, urging immediate action from the US government.
PTI USA stated on X: “46 members of the US House of representatives, including members from both the Republican and Democratic parties, have written a letter to President Joe Biden calling for urgent action for the release of Imran Khan.
“The letter, jointly led by Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) and Rep. John James(R-M), criticizes the role of the US Ambassador Donald Blome and his failure to ‘incorporate the concerns of the Pakistani American community in its work including meaningfully advocating for the release of political prisoners, the restoration of human rights, or respect for democratic principles.
“This letter brings the total number of members of Congress who have responded to the concerns raised by the Pakistani-American diaspora in recent weeks to close to one hundred.”
It may be recalled that this is second such letter written by lawmakers to Joe Biden about PTI Chief Imran Khan’s incarceration and broader human rights violations in Pakistan. In the letter concerns were raised over the rigging of polls held in February 2024 and the targeting of PTI by institutions.
Lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction over reports from Commonwealth observers and the EU being withheld from the public. The 46 members of the US Congress also criticised the Pakistani authorities for restricting public freedoms, particularly freedom of expression. They pointed towards large-scale arrests, illegal detentions, and Social Media restrictions.
Calling for a review of US diplomatic mission’s policies in Islamabad, expressing disappointment that the concerns of the Pakistani-American community were not being reflected in the Embassy’s stance. They also criticised the embassy’s swift positive statements about the new government in Pakistan.
President Joe Biden has been asked by means of the correspondence to take action to stop human rights abuses in Pakistan, calling for the immediate release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan, who they said was the most popular leader in Pakistan.
Newspakistan.tv
