The much-anticipated Jack Bergman Imran Khan statement—one that many Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders had been waiting for—has finally been released, albeit after several days of silence. The PTI response to Jack Bergman has been mixed, reflecting both anticipation and strategic concerns. US Congressman Jack Bergman, a member of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican Party and known for his Republican support for Imran Khan, visited Pakistan in mid-April 2025. During his US Congressman visit to Pakistan 2025, he held meetings with key Pakistani figures, including Army Chief General Asim Munir (Meeting with General Asim Munir) and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi (Mohsin Naqvi and US officials), signaling a deepening of US-Pakistan political relations. Bergman is viewed as a significant voice for PTI in the United States, as he has previously spoken out about human rights concerns in Pakistan and the political victimization of PTI members. On Tuesday, Bergman released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) (Jack Bergman on X (formerly Twitter)), saying, “Following my visit to Pakistan and engagement with its leaders and communities, I am reiterating my Imran Khan release demand.” He emphasized that the US-Pakistan shared democratic values—such as democracy, human rights, and economic prosperity—should form the foundation of their ongoing partnership. “Let us work together for political freedom and stability in Pakistan,” Bergman urged. It’s worth noting that the US congressional delegation criticism stemmed from their earlier silence during the visit, despite having made similar Imran Khan international advocacy statements in the past.
PTI leaders' reaction to Jack Bergman's statement
Inside and outside the country, the political leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) reacted to Jack Bergman’s Imran Khan statement on social media, but their responses have not been uniform—even though this is the first time Bergman has reiterated his demand for Imran Khan’s release support following his meeting with Pakistan’s Army Chief. This development has stirred significant attention in the context of ongoing US-Pakistan political relations. Mirza Shahzad Akbar, a former advisor to Imran Khan on accountability and internal affairs, expressed concern on social media about the US Congressman Pakistan visit 2025 and Bergman’s meetings with the military leadership, including the Army Chief. He emphasized that overseas Pakistanis are troubled by such engagements, highlighting the PTI leaders reaction. He said, "Unfortunately, perception matters. When a respected U.S. Congressman builds ties with uniformed military officials rather than political leaders from various parties, it unintentionally creates an impression among Pakistanis that the U.S. is siding with undemocratic forces," raising doubts about American support for Imran Khan. Sajjad Burki, former President of PTI USA, criticized the U.S. Congressional delegation for not meeting with PTI’s elected leadership. He stated, “The Pakistani community is deeply disappointed with your visit and will remember this come election time. If only you had the courage to demand Imran Khan’s release when it truly mattered,” highlighting a PTI response to the US Congressman and the PTI divided opinion. Journalist Moed Pirzada, often seen aligned with PTI’s views, questioned on X (formerly Twitter) whether Bergman raised the same concerns privately with his Pakistani hosts, shedding light on Jack Bergman PTI stance. Some social media users called on Bergman to support the Pakistan Democracy Act, a bill seen as part of political reactions to Imran Khan advocacy, especially regarding sanctions on Pakistan’s Army Chief. PTI leader Shehbaz Gill, based in the U.S., rejected criticism questioning why Bergman didn’t say the same thing "directly to Asim Munir while in Islamabad." He defended the congressman, saying Bergman tweeted in support of justice and democracy after returning, strengthening the narrative around Imran Khan release support and Jack Bergman on PTI issues. Former Imran Khan advisor Zulfi Bukhari thanked Bergman, writing, “We hoped you would raise your voice during the visit, but we understand the protocols and restrictions involved.” He added, “We’re glad you saw the reality of this forcibly imposed government.”
According to the ISPR, "The visiting US lawmakers appreciated the key role of Pakistan's armed forces in the war against terrorism."
Why didn't Bergman meet Imran Khan in jail?
Some circles within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are also disappointed that the U.S. congressional delegation, led by Jack Bergman, could not meet Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. In response, Shehbaz Gill shared his perspective, saying, "I don't understand some people's sentiments. A U.S. Congressman visits Pakistan, listens to the entire account from General Asim Munir and his colleagues, and then tweets 'Free Imran Khan.' Yet, instead of thanking him, we are attacking him for not meeting Khan." He continued, "A congressman's position is not like that of an MNA (legislator). Would he have broken into a jail in another country to meet someone? His job was to make the effort, which he did, and we should thank him for what he did." Defending Bergman, he added, "Diplomacy is not like neighborhood gossip where you keep fighting. Take what you can from it, and keep trying for what you can't." It is worth noting that under Bergman’s leadership, the delegation met with Pakistan's military and political leadership, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier this month. According to a statement from the Pakistani military, the meeting included the signing of memoranda of understanding for training cooperation in the field of information technology between Pakistan and the U.S. The ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations) stated that the two sides reiterated the importance of sustainable relations based on mutual respect, shared values, and common strategic interests. The visiting U.S. lawmakers also praised the role of Pakistan’s armed forces in the war on terrorism and acknowledged Pakistan's sustained contribution to regional peace and stability.
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