- Democracy and human rights must anchor US-Pakistan partnership, US lawmaker Jack Bergman says in post on X
ISLAMABAD: US Congressman Jack Bergman reaffirmed his call for the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, stating that democratic values and human rights are essential to a strong US-Pakistan partnership.
Bergman, who recently led a congressional delegation to Pakistan, made the comments in a statement posted on social media platform X.
He described his engagements with leaders and communities in both countries as constructive and urged collaboration for “freedom and stability.”
“A strong US-Pakistan partnership thrives on shared values — democracy, human rights, & economic prosperity,” Bergman wrote.
The Michigan Republican visited Islamabad to attend the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 25 (PMIF25) alongside fellow Congressmen Thomas Souzzi and Jonathan Jackson.
The lawmakers held meetings with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other senior officials.
According to Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), talks with the army chief focused on regional security, defence ties, and counterterrorism efforts.
Both sides emphasized the need for sustained engagement and signed memoranda to expand cooperation in digital training and IT.
In his meeting with the US delegation, Minister Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s frontline role in the global fight against terrorism, calling for increased international recognition and intelligence-sharing.
Bergman’s remarks add to growing congressional pressure in Washington for Khan’s release.
In February, Congressmen Joe Wilson and August Pfluger urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to push for the release of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder.
They characterised Khan’s case as politically motivated and compared it to that of former President Donald Trump’s January 6 2021 insurrection.
More than 60 members of Congress have previously raised concerns about political repression in Pakistan, including electoral misconduct and the detention of opposition figures.
Bergman’s comments reflect bipartisan concern in Washington over democratic backsliding in a key US ally, as Islamabad continues to face scrutiny over its treatment of political dissent.
