Pakistan
US Congressman writes in Imran's favor to US State Secretary
Brad Sherman expressed concern over different cases registered against Imran Khan.
Washington DC: Senior member of the US Foreign Affairs Committee and Congress leader Brad Sherman wrote a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blanken in favor of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, GNN reported.
The Congress leader took the stand that the postponement of the election in two important provinces by the government is an injury to the democratic process, the government should respect the decision of the Supreme Court and hold the election on time.
Brad Sherman expressed concern over different cases registered against Imran Khan stating that Pakistan’s interior minister stated that former Prime Minister Khan will be eliminated from the world.
According to Brad Sherman, “The registration of multiple cases against Imran Khan is worrying and the use of force against his supporters, the arrests of protesters are also a cause for concern”. He also condemned the arrest of different leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) including Shehbaz Gill and Ali Amin Gandapur.
Imran Khan's speeches and press conferences have been banned. He also shared concern over banning broadcast of Imran’s speech. Sherman demanded penalty for violators of human rights referring to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah’s statements against Imran khan that Imran will be removed from the political arena.
The letter said: “US does not interfere in Pakistan's internal government affairs, but we should not turn away when the human rights of the Pakistani people are threatened”.
Sherman asked the US Secretary of State to guide the US on Pakistan policy which emphasizes respect for human rights. Call on Pakistani authorities to use all diplomatic channels to investigate alleged violations and bring those responsible to justice.
He said that it should be ensured that protesting political figures or citizens will not be made victims of undemocratic consequences.
Brad Sherman added that Dr. Asif Mehmood, a Pakistani American Democrat, gave him the best consultation for which he is grateful. It was Dr. Asif who made him talk to Imran Khan over the phone.