Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has expressed serious concerns regarding the treatment of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, highlighting implications for democracy and human rights in Pakistan.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has voiced significant concerns over the treatment of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan, stating that the current situation reflects troubling trends for democracy and human rights in the country.
Subramanyam, a Democratic representative from Virginia, shared that he received a comprehensive account of Khan’s condition during a recent meeting with a member of Khan’s family. He emphasized the need for humane treatment and medical care for Khan, who has faced numerous legal challenges since his ousting from office.
“The Khans have not been treated properly. They’ve been treated inhumanely. They deserve the medical attention,” Subramanyam remarked in an interview.
Highlighting Khan’s democratic mandate, Subramanyam stated, “Let’s remember that Imran Khan was the democratically elected leader of Pakistan. This is a bad signal when it comes to democracy in Pakistan and human rights in Pakistan.”
Subramanyam stressed that the strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States should not hinder U.S. lawmakers from addressing concerns regarding the treatment of political figures in Pakistan. “Even though Pakistan is an ally of the U.S., and we have a wonderful Pakistani American community here, we need to hold them to task and call out what’s going on with our allies included,” he said.
When asked about the broader situation in Pakistan, Subramanyam reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Khan receives necessary medical care while also promoting democratic values in the country. “Right now, we just want to make sure that he gets the medical attention he needs, and that we promote and encourage democracy in Pakistan,” he stated.
The congressman affirmed his intention to continue raising awareness about Khan’s situation through letters and public statements. “That’s why I continue sending the letters. That’s why I continue trying to speak out and be vocal about wanting to make sure that democracy is still alive in Pakistan,” he said. “I think it’s good for the people there, and it’s good for the relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan.”
Subramanyam also touched on Pakistan’s role as a mediator between the United States and Iran, noting that while recent talks have not been fruitful, it remains crucial for Pakistan to maintain this role. “Right now, Pakistan is a mediator between the U.S. and Iran. Those talks have not gone well. It’s important to see Pakistan playing that role,” he explained.
Despite recognizing Pakistan as an ally, Subramanyam expressed ongoing concerns regarding the leadership of Army Chief Asim Munir and the current regime. He emphasized the need for Washington to ensure it is not complicit in undermining democracy in Pakistan. “We must ensure that we are not simply complicit in some of the attacks on democracy there,” he concluded.
According to IANS, Subramanyam’s advocacy for Imran Khan and democratic principles in Pakistan underscores the importance of human rights and governance in U.S.-Pakistan relations.