ISLAMABAD: Over 100 Pakistani lawmakers have written to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, expressing concerns over the alleged interference by 62 US Congress members in Pakistan’s internal matters.
A letter signed by 160 members of Pakistan’s Parliament, including Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Naveed Qamar, Mustafa Kamal, Asiya Naz Tanoli, and Khalid Magsi, has been sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The lawmakers have expressed concern over a letter from US Congress members to President Joe Biden that called for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
The lawmakers expressed concerns regarding the founder of PTI, accusing him of introducing political violence and making criminal threats against state institutions.
They further highlighted the incidents of May 9, 2023, citing them as examples of his instigation of riots and vandalism. The letter also referenced past instances, including the 2014 and 2022 sit-ins, where they claim the PTI Founder paralyzed the country.
According to the letter, the PTI leader has allegedly encouraged unrest in Islamabad and Lahore and used social media to incite further violence and disorder.
The lawmakers also accused dissidents residing in the US and UK of fueling a negative campaign.
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They expressed surprise at the support shown by certain US Congress members for an individual allegedly evading American legal proceedings, calling it an attempt to interfere in Pakistan’s judicial processes.
The letter states that such support from foreign lawmakers disrupts the judicial process in Pakistan, as it comments on ongoing cases.
Lawmakers noted that while political parties may lobby internationally, comments on Pakistan’s internal politics are perceived as interference and unfounded allegations.
Furthermore, they emphasized that dragging other nations into Pakistan’s electoral landscape to appeal to specific voter bases is improper and that diplomatic channels should not be misused for political gains.
The letter concluded by accusing the PTI founder of causing the most significant crisis in recent Pakistan-US relations, urging the Prime Minister to take a firm stance against such external influences.
The response comes after US lawmakers urged President Biden to use “substantial leverage with Pakistan’s government to secure the release of political prisoners including former prime minister Khan”.