ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday issued a strong response to a letter from U.S. lawmakers addressed to President Joe Biden, which called for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder.
The Foreign Office termed the move as "contrary to inter-state conduct and diplomatic norms."
During her weekly briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed the issue, emphasizing that while Pakistan values its bilateral relationship with the U.S. and believes in constructive dialogue, comments on Pakistan's internal affairs do not align with diplomatic standards. She added that such letters and statements are counterproductive to the positive development of Pakistan-U.S. relations.
The letter, signed by over 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, urged President Biden to use Washington’s influence to secure the release of the former prime minister, who has been in prison since August after being convicted in the Toshakhana case, allegations he denies.
Baloch reiterated that these actions are based on a misunderstanding of Pakistan's political situation and expressed hope that the U.S. Congress would focus on strengthening ties between the two nations through mutual cooperation.
The Democratic lawmakers' letter highlighted concerns about political prisoners, including Khan, and called for U.S. embassy officials to visit him in prison. It also raised concerns over irregularities in Pakistan's recent elections and urged the U.S. administration to seek assurances about Khan’s safety and well-being while in custody.
The letter, led by U.S. Representative Greg Casar, marked the first collective appeal from U.S. Congress members for Imran Khan's release, despite his historically strained relations with Washington as a critic of U.S. foreign policy.
