Pakistan’s judiciary to decide about Imran Khan: US

WASHINGTON: The US State Department has said that it is for the judiciary of Pakistan to decide about the cases registered against former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. 

A spokesman for the State Department said that Khan was in jail for about one and a half years and a decision about his release would be made in accordance with the laws of Pakistan.

The spokesman stated this in reply to a question by media as President-elect Donald Trump will take oath of his office on January 20. Before his election victory, Trump had stated that Imran Khan was his friend and after being elected he would try to get him out of jail. 

In the recent days, former US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad and members of the Congress have issued statements in support of Imran Khan and terming his imprisonment and registration of cases against him politically motivated.

The State Department spokesman said that they would not comment on any statement or correspondence made by Congress members. He said that decision about Imran Khan would be made by Pakistan’s judiciary in accordance with the legal system of the country. 

The spokesman however added that like with many other countries, US remains in contact with Pakistan on human rights and other matters.