Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is seeking the intervention of foreign powers to secure the release of its founder, Imran Khan, and facilitate his departure overseas.
During a Tuesday interview with a private news channel, Asif remarked, “They are requesting foreign powers to press Pakistan to release Imran Khan and allow him to travel to a specified country.”
He further noted that these foreign nations are “prepared” to accept the PTI founder, who has been detained in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since August 2023.
When questioned whether these countries include European nations or the United States, Asif evaded a direct answer, citing his “weakness in geography.”
Imran Khan has been incarcerated for over a year following his conviction in the Toshakhana criminal case and other subsequent legal actions before the February 8 elections—charges he continues to deny.
Asif’s comments follow a plea from 20 British MPs across party lines, led by MP Kim Johnson, urging the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy to advocate for Khan’s release and encourage the UK government to engage with Islamabad.
Additionally, over 60 US House Representatives have written to President Joe Biden, appealing for the use of America’s influence to secure Khan’s release and to address broader human rights concerns in Pakistan.
The Democratic lawmakers emphasized, “We urge you to prioritize human rights in US policy towards Pakistan and secure the release of political prisoners, including former Prime Minister Khan while curtailing widespread human rights abuses.”
They also requested that US embassy officials be allowed to visit Khan in Adiala Jail.
