US Congressional Delegation Avoids Imran Khan Discussion, Says NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday confirmed that during the recent meetings between Pakistani officials and a visiting US congressional delegation, there was no mention or discussion of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated.

 Sadiq stated that the US lawmakers made it clear they had no involvement in Pakistan’s internal political matters.

According to Ayaz Sadiq, the US delegation explicitly stated that they do not interfere in Pakistan’s domestic affairs, distancing themselves from any discussion about Imran Khan or his legal situation.

This position was reiterated by PTI leader Atif Khan, who attended the meeting and confirmed that there was no conversation regarding Imran Khan or his release.

National Assembly Speaker refuted Gohar’s claim, saying that the lawyer-turned-politician and PTI Chief Whip Amir Dogar had been invited to a dinner hosted for the US delegation.

Controversy Over Invitations to PTI Leaders

There was some controversy regarding which PTI leaders were invited to meet the US delegation. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan claimed he was not invited, stating he received no official communication or invitation.

However, Atif Khan and Dr. Amjad from PTI did attend, and Atif Khan mentioned that invitations were extended to several senior PTI figures, including Barrister Gohar, Omer Ayub, Aamir Dogar, and Salman Akram Raja, though not all attended.

PTI Supporters’ Discontent

Despite the official stance, PTI supporters expressed disappointment on social media over the US delegation’s failure to meet with Imran Khan directly, especially after the delegation’s meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir.

Some PTI supporters recalled previous statements by US Congressman Jack Bergman, who had earlier indicated support for Imran Khan’s release, and questioned the lack of follow-through during this visit.

Focus of the US Delegation’s Meetings

The meetings between the US delegation and Pakistani officials, including the Army Chief and various political leaders, focused on broader issues such as regional security, counterterrorism, and bilateral relations, rather than individual political cases.

The US lawmakers commended Pakistan’s armed forces for their role in combating terrorism and discussed the importance of intelligence and technology sharing in counterterrorism efforts.

A high-level US congressional delegation visited Pakistan, including Congressmen Jack Bergman, Thomas Souzzi, and Jonathan Jackson.