US Congressmen call on Secretary Rubio to intervene for Imran Khan’s release

WASHINGTON: Two US Congressmen, Joe Wilson and August Pulger, have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to speak to Pakistan’s military leadership to secure the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

According to media reports, the two Congressmen had written a joint letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 25, stating that Imran Khan’s imprisonment is the result of politically motivated charges.

They expressed concern that Imran Khan’s removal through a no-confidence motion in 2022 amounted to a suspension of democracy in Pakistan, which has resulted in strained relations between the two countries.

In a statement on social media platform X, Joe Wilson expressed satisfaction with his collaboration with Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pulger to urge Secretary Rubio to work for Imran Khan’s release and the restoration of democracy in Pakistan.

He added that Pakistan-US relations are strongest when they are built on the principles of freedom.

Joe Wilson, a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services committees and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, co-signed the letter with August Pulger, who chairs the Republican study committee.

The two lawmakers expressed concern about Imran Khan’s imprisonment and its impact on U.S.-Pakistan relations.

The letter highlighted Imran Khan’s widespread popularity in Pakistan and stressed that his release could usher in a new era in U.S.-Pakistan relations rooted in shared traditions of freedom.

Drawing parallels between Imran Khan and Trump, they claimed that Imran Khan is also a victim of judicial abuse.

The members of Congress urged Secretary Rubio to work with Pakistan to restore democracy, uphold human rights, ensure the rule of law, support a free press, and protect freedom of assembly and expression.

He stressed that Imran Khan should be treated like any other politician and should not be imprisoned for his political views.

Joe Wilson had earlier called for Imran Khan’s release on X and shared a copy of a letter sent to Rubio, expressing the hope that Pakistan-US relations can be strengthened through mutual respect for freedom.

The letter concluded by saying that Pakistan-US relations are intertwined with Imran Khan’s release, urging Secretary of State Rubio to take decisive action in this regard.