JK News Today
Two U S lawmakers-Representatives , Joe Wilson and Jimmy Panetta, have introduced a bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives, titled “ Pakistan Democracy Act” , seeking to sanction the country’s army chief Gen. Asim Munir for “ persecution of political opponents including former Prime Minister Imran Khan .
The bill, which aims to place sanctions on Pakistan’s army chief within 180 days under the Global Magnistsky Human Rights Accountability Act . Violations, as per the US law, can be subjected to denial of entry to the United States and ineligibility for the US visas.
The bill has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees for review.
The proposed legislation calls for sanctions to be imposed on Pakistan’s army chief within 180 days if the country fails to take steps to improve its human rights situation.
The bill aims to invoke the US Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which permits the US to deny visas and entry to individuals accused of committing human rights violations.
It also directs the US government to identify and sanction individuals allegedly involved in the suppression of political opposition in Pakistan.
The president would be granted authority to lift the sanctions if Pakistan ends military interference in civilian governance and releases all “wrongfully detained political detainees.”
The tabling of the draft bill reflects the persistent efforts of PTI supporters in the US, who have remained active in lobbying American lawmakers since Imran Khan was ousted from power in 2022.
Over the last three years, activists have continued to stage rallies, engage with members of Congress, and advocate for greater US involvement in Pakistan’s political developments.
Back in June 2024, the US House of Representatives adopted a similar resolution with strong bipartisan support—98 per cent voting in its favour.
That resolution called on then-president Joe Biden to encourage Pakistan to safeguard democratic values and the rule of law. Despite this, the Biden administration refrains from taking any action.
