Suhas Subramanyam Raises Concerns Over Imran Khan’s Treatment

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has raised concerns over the treatment of jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, saying the situation sends a troubling signal about democracy and human rights in the country.

Subramanyam, a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives from Virginia, said he received a detailed account of Khan’s condition and circumstances during a meeting with a member of the former prime minister’s family.

“The Khans have not been treated properly. They’ve been treated inhumanely. They deserve the medical attention,” Subramanyam said in an interview.

He stressed that Khan had held office after winning a democratic mandate.

“And let’s remember that Imran Khan was the democratically elected leader of Pakistan,” Subramanyam said. “And so this is a bad signal when it comes to democracy in Pakistan, human rights in Pakistan.”

Subramanyam said Pakistan’s strategic relationship with Washington should not prevent US lawmakers from raising concerns about the conduct of its authorities.

“Even though Pakistan is an ally of the US, 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.

Asked about the situation in Pakistan, Subramanyam said his immediate priority was ensuring that Khan received the medical care he needs and that democracy in Pakistan was encouraged.

“Right now, we just wanna make sure that he gets the medical attention he needs, and that right now, we promote and encourage democracy in Pakistan,” he said.

The congressman said he would continue to raise the issue 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 the 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 US and Pakistan.”

Subramanyam also discussed Pakistan’s role as a mediator between the United States and Iran, saying that although the talks had not gone well, it was important for Pakistan to continue playing that role.

“Right now, Pakistan is a mediator between the US and Iran. Those talks have not gone well,” he said. “It’s important to see Pakistan playing that role.”

“Pakistan is still an ally, but, longer term, I still have concerns about Munir and the regime there,” he added, referring to Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir.

Subramanyam said Washington must ensure that it is “not simply complicit in some of the attacks on democracy there”. (IANS)