Over 100 Pakistani MNAs this week wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, criticizing a letter 62 members of the U.S. House of Representatives had written to President Joe Biden urging him to use Washington’s “leverage” with Islamabad to secure the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.
“We write to express our concerns over the unwarranted and inaccurate commentary on Pakistan’s domestic politics by 62 Members of House of Representatives of U.S. Congress,” states the letter, describing its contents as a “skewed view of realities” that exaggerates the “baseless” political narrative of one particular political party. Alleging the letter was tantamount to external interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs, it claimed the U.S. lawmakers’ missive was “influenced by blatant disinformation peddled by adherents of same political party.”
The letter claims it seeks to inform U.S. lawmakers, via the prime minister, “to separate facts from fiction and critically view the political motives behind the campaign to discredit credible political process in Pakistan and undermine its democratic institutions.”
Noting Pakistan faced “challenges of post-truth era” compounded by “politics of cult-followership and polarization,” the letter claimed PTI founder Khan had “introduced political violence and criminal intimidation against political rivals and state institutions.” It recalled the PTI’s involvement in attacks on Parliament, PTV, Radio Pakistan; the May 9 riots; and the PTI’s 2014 dharna. It further points to the “misuse” of social media for “digital terrorism,” alleging Khan continues to incite violence from behind bars. This negative campaign, it regretted, was primarily emerging from “dissident elements” based in the U.S. and the U.K.
The letter went on to describe the Congressmen’s views on the Feb. 8 general elections as “misinformed” and expressed shock at the “blind support” of U.S. Congress for Khan despite his apologist comments about the Taliban and misogynistic views. It regretted that commentary on sub-judice matters by Congressmen would likely “unfairly influence the judicial process” in Pakistan.
Referring to the upcoming U.S. presidential election, the letter described as “ill-advised” any attempt to drag other countries into America’s domestic electoral process to satisfy a “small segment of electorate.”
Stressing that Pakistan and the U.S. continued to see each other with mutual trust and respect, the letter noted that aspersions against holders of government office did not support a healthy bilateral relationship. “We wish to respect the political process in the U.S. and express our commitment to work with the new administration formed as a result of coming elections. Concurrently, we rightfully expect the same to be acknowledged and respected by U.S. lawmakers as well,” it read.
Additionally, the lawmakers urged the government to direct the diplomatic mission in Washington to engage the members of the Pakistani caucus in U.S. Congress as well as signatories of the letter to highlight the correct perspective on the issue and caution them from falling prey to unsubstantiated political propaganda against Islamabad.
Last week, U.S. Democratic lawmakers had urged Biden to use “substantial leverage with Pakistan’s government to secure the release of political prisoners including former prime minister Khan.” The letter further sought a visit by U.S. embassy officials to Adiala Jail to examine facilities for Khan.