More than 100 Pakistani lawmakers have reached out to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, voicing their concerns regarding a letter from US congress members to President Joe Biden, which urged the release of Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
“We write to express our concerns over the unwarranted and inaccurate commentary on Pakistan’s domestic politics by 62 Members of the US House of Representatives,” read the letter.
The letter detailed accusations against Imran Khan, claiming that he incited political violence and issued criminal threats against state institutions. It specifically mentioned the widespread unrest on May 9, 2023, when protesters, allegedly incited by Imran, targeted key buildings, including Parliament, state-run television, and Radio Pakistan.
The lawmakers’ letter also noted that Khan’s tactics were not unprecedented, referencing prior incidents in August 2014 and May 2022 when his political actions reportedly “paralyzed the country.” Furthermore, it stated that Imran Khan continues to instigate unrest and violence from his jail cell, particularly highlighting his use of social media for what the lawmakers termed “digital terrorism.”
