ISLAMABAD (Bakhabar Pakistan) – Pakistani lawmakers have denounced a letter from U.S. Congress members to President Joe Biden, which called for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, labeling it as “interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs.” In response, 160 Pakistani parliamentarians issued a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, voicing their concerns over what they perceive as undue involvement of U.S. Congress members in the country’s national matters.
In their letter, the Pakistani legislators stressed that Pakistan has been confronting significant democratic challenges intensified by an uptick in extremist political activity over recent years. The lawmakers criticized the PTI founder, stating that he has contributed to a culture of political violence targeting state institutions.
Referring to the violent events of May 9, 2023, the letter accuses Imran Khan of inciting riots, vandalism, and leading a mob attack on key state institutions, including Parliament and the buildings of state-run television and Radio Pakistan. The lawmakers allege that Khan’s use of political aggression dates back to his 2014 Islamabad sit-in, which disrupted the country, and his actions again in May 2022, which they claim destabilized Pakistan through similar tactics.
The letter further asserts that Imran Khan, despite his prolonged detention due to various charges, has continued to encourage his followers to foment unrest from within prison. The lawmakers accuse him of promoting “digital terrorism” through social media platforms, spreading chaos and incitement to violence.
Additionally, the letter points to certain individuals residing in the U.S. and UK, who they claim are actively involved in amplifying Imran Khan’s negative campaign internationally.
Recently, more than 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives wrote to President Biden, urging him to press Islamabad to release Imran Khan and other political prisoners. These congress members, primarily from the Democratic Party, urged the President to prioritize human rights in U.S.-Pakistan relations, calling on the administration to use its influence to prevent alleged human rights abuses in Pakistan.
Further reports suggest that the U.S. Congress members who authored this letter are affiliated with the Jewish lobby and have been working with an anti-Pakistan agenda, stirring considerable backlash in Pakistan.
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