Joe Wilson
KARACHI: US Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has urged Pakistan’s leadership to release former Prime Minister Imran Khan, stating that such a move would significantly strengthen relations between the United States and Pakistan, on Sunday.
In a letter addressed to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Wilson emphasized that Khan’s release would be a crucial step in reinforcing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The South Carolina representative, who also serves as assistant majority whip in the US Congress, publicly shared the letter on February 7 via his official account on X (formerly Twitter).
“Grateful to send this letter today to the political and military leaders of Pakistan to Free Imran Khan,” Wilson wrote. He further highlighted his commitment to advocating for Khan’s release by stating, “I will also be engaging the Trump administration on this issue. US-Pakistan relations are strongest when Pakistan is democratic. Free Imran Khan.”
Wilson’s letter begins by acknowledging the historical importance of US-Pakistan ties, stating that a strong relationship between the two countries is in their mutual national interest. He noted that bilateral relations have been at their peak when Pakistan adheres to democratic principles, the rule of law, and human rights.
Addressing what he termed the “unjust detention” of Imran Khan, Wilson admitted that he has “many disagreements” with the former prime minister, particularly regarding his “stances in support of the Chinese Communist Party and War Criminal Putin.”
However, he argued that democracy cannot function properly if political opponents are jailed on politically motivated charges rather than being fairly contested in elections.
The letter called on Pakistani authorities to uphold democratic institutions and fundamental rights, concluding with Wilson’s appeal for Khan’s immediate release. He asserted that freeing the ex-premier would mark a major milestone in strengthening Washington’s relationship with Islamabad.
Shortly after making his appeal public, Wilson reinforced his stance in a speech on the floor of the US Congress. Once again, he took to X to reiterate his demand, posting, “Free Imran Khan.”
During his speech, Wilson accused Pakistan’s military of undermining democracy by imprisoning Khan. He also linked Khan’s legal troubles to broader concerns about judicial corruption, drawing a parallel to former US President Donald Trump’s legal battles. “President Trump has survived a corrupt judicial system and knows the danger of persecution,” Wilson declared. “Pakistan should release Imran Khan, restoring democracy.”
As he spoke, images of authoritarian leaders from North Korea, Iran, Russia, and China were displayed on a poster beside him. Wilson, widely recognized as a fiscally conservative foreign policy hawk, has frequently criticized regimes in Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing.
This is not the first time Wilson has voiced support for Imran Khan. On January 23, he had similarly taken to X to post a direct appeal: “Free Imran Khan.” His latest remarks have garnered strong backing from PTI supporters online, while others have criticized his stance.
Some political observers and fact-checkers have argued that US-Pakistan relations have historically been strongest during periods of military rule rather than democratic governance, challenging Wilson’s assertion that democracy has always been the foundation of strong bilateral ties.
Nonetheless, Wilson’s intervention has reignited debates over political persecution in Pakistan and the broader state of democracy in the country.
