A new letter from 46 members of the US Congress, comprising Republicans and Democrats, has been sent to President Joe Biden, urging him to intervene for the release of PTI founder, detained in Pakistan. This marks the second instance of such lobbying, with a prior letter from 60 members making a similar plea. The growing involvement of over 100 Congress members is raising concerns about interference in Pakistan’s internal matters.
Political analysts assert that this lobbying aligns with the PTI founder’s alleged agenda of undermining Pakistan’s institutions and fostering narratives favored by Zionist powers. They point out that while US lawmakers highlight PTI’s plight, their silence on issues like Israel’s actions in Palestine or Kashmir raises questions about double standards.
Observers also link this renewed letter to an attempt at reviving PTI’s November 24 protest, which has seen dwindling public interest. Diplomatic experts view this as overt interference in Pakistan’s sovereignty, emphasizing that the country’s judiciary operates independently, following constitutional principles.
Reports indicate that PTI has invested millions of dollars in lobbying through international firms and media outlets. Critics argue that such actions undermine Pakistan’s sovereignty and reflect hypocrisy in PTI’s narrative of independence symbolized by its slogan “we are no slaves.”
Diplomatic circles have also dismissed allegations by US Congress members against American Ambassador Donald Bloom for purportedly neglecting human rights concerns in Pakistan. Analysts deem these accusations baseless, warning that such interference risks straining US-Pakistan relations.
The repeated lobbying by PTI and its affiliates is seen as an effort to pressure Pakistan’s judicial system. Experts urge the courts to take these activities seriously, as they pose a challenge to the country’s autonomy and sovereignty.
