US lawmakers urge Biden to advocate for Imran Khan’s release

WASHINGTON: Over 60 members of the United States (US) House of Representatives addressed a letter to President Joe Biden, asking his administration to push for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The US lawmakers in the letter stated that it was important to prioritise human rights in the US policy towards Pakistan and called for efforts to secure the release of Imran Khan and other political prisoners, as well.

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The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been embroiled in several legal cases since he was voted out of power in a no confidence vote.

Imran Khan was Prime Minister from August 2018 until April 2022. The PTI founder has alleged several times that his removal from power was orchestrated by several foreign entities (including the United States) and local political rivals.

Since 2022, Imran Khan has faced multiple legal issues, including allegations of corruption, terrorism and incitement to violence.

In August 2022, the former prime minister faced corruption charges related to the alleged misappropriation of gifts received his tenure as head of govemrent.

The Toshakhana case, as it came to be called, involves accusations that he unlawfully sold state gifts for personal gain.

In October 2022, he received a three-year prison sentence in connection in relation to the case, although the sentence was later suspended pending appeal.

Imran Khan’s legal issues exacerbated in 2023, when he was slapped with additional charges of inciting violence during protests against his ouster.

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The letter from the US lawmakers raised concerns regarding Imran Khan’s treatment while incarcerated in Adiala Jail. It called on the Biden administration to ensure his safety and well-being.

The letter also requests that the US embassy officials facilitate a meeting with the PTI founder in prison, to closely monitor his situation.