US Lawmakers Call for Action To ‘Restore Democracy’ in Pakistan
In a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, two Republican congressmen have urged the United States to intervene in Pakistan’s political situation, calling for efforts to restore democracy.
Representatives Joe Wilson and August Pfluger, both known for their close ties to the Trump administration, asked that the US engage with Pakistan’s military leadership to secure the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. They also referenced Khan’s past connections with the US administration in their appeal.
They contended that Imran Khan’s imprisonment, along with the broader crackdown on dissent in Pakistan, has put a strain on US-Pakistan relations.
The congressmen emphasized Khan’s popularity, suggesting that his release could mark a new chapter in US-Pakistan relations. They noted that Khan served as prime minister during President Trump’s first term and that the two men had a strong relationship.
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Their letter urged engagement with Pakistan to uphold democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and freedom of expression, asserting that the strength of bilateral ties hinges on Khan’s release.
Khan has been in custody since August 2023, facing multiple charges that he claims are politically motivated. Congressman Joe Wilson has repeatedly called for Khan’s release in several posts on X over the past few weeks.
Wilson also announced on Wednesday that he had finalized a draft resolution calling for sanctions against Pakistani officials accused of suppressing democracy and unlawfully detaining political opponents.
In a post on his official X account, Wilson stated that the resolution seeks to establish US policy “to restore democracy in Pakistan.” The resolution also proposes a 30-day review to assess potential sanctions against those deemed responsible for undermining democratic processes, with provisions to extend these measures to their family members.
Earlier this month, Wilson addressed the US House of Representatives, calling on Pakistan’s government to uphold democratic principles and respect the rule of law.
Wilson’s bill comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing economic challenges and political uncertainty. While its passage in the US Congress remains uncertain, it has already intensified political tensions in Pakistan.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chair of the Pakistan People’s Party and former foreign minister recently addressed concerns about the weakening of democracy in Pakistan. While admitting that Pakistan’s democratic system is not currently at its strongest, he emphasized that Pakistan is not the only nation facing such challenges.
In an interview with the Oxford Union president, he called for increased freedom of speech in the fragile democracy, emphasizing that both traditional and social media should operate independently, free from undue influence or restrictions.
