Unpacking letter of US lawmakers to Biden

NEW YORK: A letter written by 46 members of the US House of Representatives to President Biden on November 15 about the PTI founder and the human rights situation in Pakistan has gained immense publicity. While some circles are curious about it, others are trying to declare the letter as an order to release the PTI leader. However, people who know how the American system works are well aware of the practical usefulness of the letter.

If we assess the letter, its context, facts and practical aspects, it will be helpful in reaching a logical conclusion. First of all, President Biden was asked to act on the letter at a time when he has only a few days left before his term ends. His US domestic agenda is also too big. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also written a letter to him about Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release. After the big election defeat, President Biden has to take many steps in the context of national politics and the image of his party and the practical reality of the letter will be revealed in the next few days.

The PTI is already celebrating its success but it is necessary to be know certain facts. On October 23, 60 members of the Congress wrote a similar letter to President Biden. The question is why did it become necessary for 46 members of the Congress to write to President Biden when there was no action or response to the earlier letter? The answer to this question is found in the answer of the US State Department spokesperson that the letter would be answered at an appropriate time. Will President Biden take any action supporting this letter in a few days of his term? Will President Biden ignore the nationwide hate campaign against his government and US State Department’s Donald Lu and PTI statements that infuriate the people of Pakistan?

The second letter features 14 less members of the Congress than the first letter, which means there was a decrease in the number of members supporting the release of the PTI founder. It is also important to look at the significance of donations to election funds and the lobbying.

If one compares the list of the 16 members of Congress with the names of the 60 Congressmen, the similarity of the names is also striking. All of the congressmen have pledged their principled support for the imperatives of democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression in the United States and around the world, but they know they cannot interfere with the sovereignty and system of a foreign country.

Undoubtedly, a large majority of Pakistanis lining in the US and Canada support the PTI, but there is also a large number of people who criticise them. It is also a fact that the US PTI also face serious rifts.