46 US Congressmen demand Imran Khan's release

A group of 46 US lawmakers has called on President Joe Biden to push for the immediate release of Pakistan's former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, along with other political prisoners, citing concerns for their safety based on findings from the UN Working Group.

In a letter addressed to the outgoing president, members of Congress urged Biden to take concrete steps aligned with "H. Res. 901," a resolution passed in June by a significant majority in the US House of Representatives. This resolution underscores concerns over escalating human rights violations and the erosion of civil liberties in Pakistan.

Sharing the letter on its official X account, PTI stated: "46 members of the US House of Representatives, representing both Republican and Democratic parties, have written to President Joe Biden urging immediate action for Imran Khan's release." The letter, led by lawmakers Susan Wild and John James, also criticised US Ambassador Donald Blome for failing to address the concerns of the Pakistani-American community or advocate for democratic principles, human rights, and the release of political prisoners.

The lawmakers highlighted irregularities in Pakistan's February 2024 elections, labelling them "flawed" due to electoral fraud, suppression of the PTI, and reversed results favouring independent candidates allied with PTI. They expressed alarm over worsening conditions since the elections, including mass arrests, arbitrary detentions, curbs on freedom of expression, and restrictions on social media access.

Qureshi Urges PTI Leadership to Seek Input from Jailed Leaders

Meanwhile, PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi criticized his party for sidelining him from discussions on Pakistan's political crisis despite his four decades of experience.

Speaking to reporters after a court appearance on Saturday, Qureshi urged PTI leaders to consult imprisoned senior members in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail. "I appeal to the PTI leadership to visit us when possible to gather insights on resolving the current deadlock," he said.

Qureshi, who has been in prison for over a year, urged PTI to engage with like-minded political parties to forge a consensus on key issues such as the rule of law, judicial independence, and human rights. He reaffirmed his loyalty to Imran Khan and expressed support for the November 24 protest, urging party members and supporters to join.

The seasoned politician also called on Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to focus on building alliances with democratic forces rather than criticizing coalition partner Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Qureshi's remarks come as tensions rise within Pakistan's political landscape, with various parties voicing grievances against one another amid the ongoing crisis.