US lawmaker ‘avoids’ mentioning Khan on Pakistan visit; resumes tweeting for his release after return

Days after his visit to Pakistan, Republican Congressman Jack Bergman has once again tweeted for the release of jailed former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan.

As per the details, lawmaker Bergman was a part of the three-member United States (US) congressional delegation that visited Pakistan on April 12 and held multiple meetings with Pakistani officials, including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.

Describing their visit to Pakistan as “highly successful and productive”, the delegation had expressed optimism for stronger Pakistan-US relations in the future.

Days after the trip, Bergman on Tuesday took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle and said he reaffirmed his call for the release of the incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder.

“After my Pakistan visit, engaging with leaders & communities there & in the US, I reaffirm my call for Imran Khan’s release,” he said, adding that a strong bilateral partnership thrived on shared values of democracy, human rights and economic prosperity.

“Let’s work together for freedom & stability,” he said further.

Earlier, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted Congressman Bergman as underscoring the strategic importance of the relationship between the two countries during the visit. He had also said that the significance of the partnership was “undeniable” and would remain relevant in the years to come.

“We are working in specific sectors and promoting partnerships. One such critical area is mineral development,” he had said and added that the collaboration would lay the foundation for robust industries that could benefit not only Pakistan but the global economy.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had also shared details of meeting with the delegation and said that they “did not even mention Imran Khan”. 

“I can say with full confidence that as they [US delegation] were leaving, they categorically stated they have no connection to Pakistan's internal politics,” the speaker of the National Assembly had claimed while speaking to media on April 15.

The statements regarding the details of the meetings had come in light of Congressman Bergman’s support for Khan. He had made multiple tweets for the jailed ex-PM’s release, including one on January 23, when he had written, “The facts are straightforward; it’s no time to mince words. Free Imran Khan.”

On February 14, Bergman in another post on X, had shared a picture with PTI leader and YouTuber Shahbaz Gill as well as former president Dr Arif Alvi with the caption, “Great to have former President of Pakistan Dr. @ArifAlvi along with Dr. @SHABAZGIL Former Chief of Staff of Imran Khan in our office today. It’s time to Free Imran Khan!”