U.S. State Department on Legal Action Against Imran Khan: Decision Lies with Pakistani Courts
Washington ( WEB NEWS )
U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated that the decision regarding legal action against PTI founder Imran Khan is to be made by Pakistani courts in accordance with local laws and the constitution. He also mentioned that President Joe Biden does not wish to comment on a letter sent by members of Congress.
During a press briefing, Miller reiterated that all cases against Imran Khan must be resolved by Pakistani courts. He emphasized that the U.S. continues to advocate for democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law in Pakistan, noting that human rights are a significant aspect of U.S.-Pakistan relations. He indicated that these issues are regularly discussed with Pakistan, as with other countries.
Previously, over 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives wrote a letter to President Biden, demanding the release of political prisoners in Pakistan, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The letter was co-authored by Representatives Jim McGovern and Summer Lee, with signatures from notable Democrats such as Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Barbara Lee, Brad Sherman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Ro Khanna, among others.
The congressional members supported calls for Khan’s immediate release and the cessation of mass detentions of party members in Pakistan. They urged the Biden administration to ensure the protection of Imran Khan and to press the Pakistani government to allow U.S. embassy officials to meet with him in jail. A group led by Representative Greg Casar demanded that human rights be central to U.S. policy regarding Pakistan.