WASHINGTON, October 29, 2024: The U.S. State Department has confirmed that it received a letter from 60 members of Congress advocating for the release of Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
During a media briefing on Monday, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the Biden administration would respond to the letter in due course.
The letter, sent on October 23, urges the U.S. government to support human rights and democracy in Pakistan, specifically calling for the release of Khan and other political prisoners.
It also highlights concerns regarding crackdowns on internet and social media platforms, as well as alleged irregularities in recent elections.
The Congress members requested that President Joe Biden use U.S. leverage to facilitate Khan’s release. In response, Pakistan’s Foreign Office criticized the letter, stating it contradicts diplomatic norms.
Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to constructive dialogue with the U.S. but argued that comments on its internal matters are counterproductive to bilateral relations.
Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 after his conviction in the Toshakhana case, along with subsequent sentences related to other charges ahead of the February 8 elections. The Congressional letter also called for U.S. embassy officials to visit Khan, who is currently held at Adiala Jail.