Washington: The political situation in Pakistan resonated in the U.S. Congress as Republican lawmaker Joe Wilson called for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan during a session of the House of Representatives.
According to reports, Congressman Joe Wilson, a key member of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, raised the issue during a general debate. The Speaker granted him permission to discuss Pakistan, a subject he has frequently addressed. Wilson also serves as the chairman of the Republican Policy Committee and is considered a close ally of former President Donald Trump.
Addressing the House, Congressman Wilson stated that Pakistan has been a valued U.S. partner for over 70 years, and bilateral relations strengthen when Pakistan adheres to democratic principles and the rule of law. However, he expressed concern that the imprisonment of Imran Khan has weakened democracy in the country.
Earlier this week, Wilson had written a letter to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Army Chief General Asim Munir, emphasizing the importance of strong U.S.-Pakistan relations for both nations' national interests. He reiterated that the two countries share a robust bilateral relationship that remains at its peak when Pakistan upholds democratic norms and the supremacy of law.
In both his letter and speech, the congressman acknowledged his strong disagreements with Khan, particularly over the former prime minister’s stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Chinese Communist Party. However, he maintained that political opponents should be defeated through democratic elections rather than imprisonment on politically motivated charges.
Wilson also drew a comparison between Imran Khan’s legal troubles and the challenges faced by Donald Trump before his potential second term in office. He urged Pakistani leadership to restore democracy by releasing Imran Khan.
Reiterating his stance, Wilson stated that democracy cannot function effectively if political opponents are unfairly detained on fabricated charges instead of being defeated at the ballot box.
He further called on Pakistan’s leadership to uphold democratic institutions, human rights, the rule of law, due process guarantees, press freedom, freedom of assembly, and the right to free speech for its citizens.
Wilson concluded by asserting that releasing Imran Khan would be a crucial step toward strengthening U.S.-Pakistan relations.
