Islamabad, October 31, 2024 — In response to a letter from 62 US Congress members urging President Joe Biden to press for the release of Imran Khan, over 100 Pakistani lawmakers have written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, condemning the letter as “external interference” and a “skewed view of realities.” Signed by 160 Pakistani parliamentarians, the letter argues that the US Congress members’ stance unfairly promotes one party’s narrative at the expense of Pakistan’s broader political landscape.
This response follows prior tensions, including the June passage of “House Resolution 901” by US lawmakers, which called for an impartial probe into Pakistan’s February 8 elections. Pakistani legislators condemned the resolution as interference. The recent letter from US lawmakers has been labeled “contrary to inter-state conduct” by Pakistani officials, while US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller has reiterated that Khan’s case remains a matter for Pakistani courts.
Pakistani lawmakers claim the US letter is “influenced by blatant disinformation” from Khan’s supporters and allege that Khan has incited violence against state institutions. They argue that social media misuse by dissidents abroad is escalating unrest and undermining Pakistan’s democracy. The letter also critiques US lawmakers’ comments on the February 8 elections as “misinformed,” warning that such statements could bias ongoing judicial proceedings.
Urging mutual respect, Pakistani legislators call on their government to engage with the Pakistani caucus in US Congress, advocating that the “correct perspective” on Pakistan’s domestic issues be understood and that the US refrain from involvement in internal matters.
Copy of letter.
