Former national security adviser (NSA) to US President Donald Trump, John Bolton, recently spoke with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, with Atif Khan, former focal person for the ministry of overseas Pakistanis, confirming the development on Friday.
Bolton expressed concerns about the arrests made in the wake of violent protests that occurred in Pakistan, which were triggered by the arrest of Imran Khan.
On Twitter, the former adviser highlighted the US’s critical interests in Pakistan. He stressed that continued instability and violence would not benefit anyone. Furthermore, he identified the treatment of Pakistan’s former premier Imran Khan as an issue that could harm relations between the two countries and increase tensions. Bolton also spoke out against civilians being tried in military courts, stating that they should have access to basic rights.
Zalmay Khalilzad, another former US diplomat, has also criticized the Pakistani government’s crackdown on PTI, stating that instability in the country could weaken the entire region and trigger war.
These comments were made shortly after over 60 US lawmakers signed a letter, urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken to exert pressure on the Pakistani government to address the worsening human rights situation in the country. The letter was in response to efforts made by the Pakistani-American Political Action Committee (PAKPAC).
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick co-authored the letter, which was signed by 65 other lawmakers. The politicians expressed deep concern over the democratic backsliding and human rights abuses in Pakistan.
