WASHINGTON: In a letter sent to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, two Repu­blican Congressmen have called for US intervention to “restore” democracy in Pakistan.

“We write as staunch conservatives to ask that you engage with Pakistan’s military regime to free Imran Khan,” Joe Wilson and August Pfluger stated, highlighting Mr Khan’s past ties with the US administration. Both lawmakers are considered close associates of the Trump administration.

They drew parallels between Mr Khan’s legal troubles and those of President Donald Trump, writing: “Former PM Imran Khan has been the victim of massive judicial abuse, similar to President Trump. He was imprisoned on fabricated charges after a military coup suspended democracy in Pakistan.”

The letter argued that Mr Khan’s imprisonment and the broader crackdown on dissent have strained US-Pakistan relations.

Congressmen write to Marco Rubio over Imran’s detention; Joe Wilson hints at moving law over ‘political persecution’

“More broadly, we urge you to work with Pakistan to restore democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental guarantees such as due process, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of speech,” the lawmakers wrote.

Congressman Wilson also sent a similar letter to President Trump, underscoring the relevance of Pakistan’s internal situation to US strategic interests.

“Imran Khan deserves to be treated like any other politician. He does not belong in prison, and his persecution stains Pakistan’s history,” Mr Wilson wrote.

Draft resolution

On Wednesday, Congressman Wilson also announced that he had finalised a draft resolution seeking sanctions against Pakistani officials allegedly responsible for suppressing democracy and “wrongfully” imprisoning political opponents.

In a post on his official X account, Mr Wilson stated that the resolution would establish US policy to “restore democracy in Pakistan” and proposed a 30-day review to determine sanctions against those responsible for undermining democratic processes. The resolution includes a provision to extend sanctions to the officials’ families.

This effort follows similar legislative actions from the previous 118th Congress, which passed a resolution in June 2024 with overwhelming support, urging a review of Pakistan’s human rights record. House Resolution 901, passed by a decisive 368-7 vote, had called for an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in the country’s February 8 general elections.

These legislative measures and letters aim to exert pressure on Islamabad over its treatment of former prime minister Khan and the broader state of democracy in the country.

Unlike previous congressional actions, which were largely symbolic, the draft of proposed Pakistan Democracy Act seeks tangible measures — sanctions — against individuals accused of suppressing political opposition. If passed, it could mark a significant shift in how Washington engages with Pakistan’s internal politics.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2025