The State Department responded to a query from The News via email by saying that the legal actions taken against Imran Khan and other lawmakers in Pakistan are internal matters.
The department stated, "We call for the respect of democratic principles and the rule of law in Pakistan, as we do around the world," and repeatedly referred to Khan's assertions that the US overthrew his administration as "baseless".
After being convicted of graft in the Toshakhana case by a court in the capital on Saturday, the former prime minister was sentenced to three years in prison; this certainly prevents him from running in elections later this year.
In Pakistan, anyone convicted of a crime is unable to run for office. The parliament is expected to be dissolved in the next two weeks before it expires, and an election will likely take place by mid-November or sooner.
Judge Humayun Dilawar stated in the decision for the case involving gifts he received and improperly declared while serving as premier, "His dishonesty has been established beyond doubt."
"By deliberately and purposefully concealing the advantages he received from the public exchequer, he has been found guilty of corrupt practices."
Khan shared a video message he produced before being arrested on his X account after being arrested on Saturday, in which he urged his followers to demonstrate.
"By the time this message reaches you, my fellow Pakistanis, they will have arrested me, and I will be in jail. I only ask and plead with you to not remain at home in silence," he added.
"Chains don't just fall off; they have to be shattered. This is a struggle for justice, for your rights, and for your freedom. Until you are granted your rights, you must maintain your peaceful protest."