At a recent congress event titled ‘Status of Human Rights and Democracy in Pakistan’, several United States lawmakers, including Congressman Brad Sherman, called for free, fair, and internationally monitored elections in Pakistan.
The event was a forum to discuss the challenging issues faced by Pakistan, such as human rights violations, missing persons, the impending general elections, politically-motivated arrests, and the significance of free media and democratic governance.
During the event, Congressman Sherman highlighted the commitment of the United States to the rule of law and democratic principles, irrespective of the individual ideologies of Pakistan’s political leaders. Sherman expressed the expectation of US legislators for the upcoming elections in Pakistan, anticipated to occur in October or early November, to be free, transparent, and monitored, as stipulated by Pakistani law.
The event, organized by the prominent Pakistani-American Dr Asif Mahmood, also had Congressman Jim Costa as a host. Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were present at the event, where portraits of journalist Imran Riaz Khan and the imprisoned fashion designer Khadija Shah were displayed. Images and short silent videos were shown to illustrate the alleged brutality on May 9, emphasising the demand for Riaz’s family to locate him and bring him to court.
US Congressmen Urge Pakistan to Uphold Human Rights and Reform Blasphemy Law
During the nearly two-hour-long event, repeated calls were made to the Pakistani government to announce an election date and allow international oversight to ensure that the elections are conducted freely, fairly, and transparently. Congressman Kweisi Mfume took it further, proposing that the United Nations take responsibility for the election oversight.
Congressman Eric Swalwell, expressing his concern for the missing journalist Imran Riaz Khan, reached out to the Pakistani ambassador in Washington through a letter, urging the investigation into Khan’s whereabouts.
The emphasis on upholding human rights, democratic values, and the freedom of speech was iterated by Congressmen Ted Lieu, Adam Schiff, and Mike Levin. They highlighted that these fundamental rights were non-negotiable and should be respected and upheld.
Congresswoman Judy Chu, while recognizing the importance of the American alliance with Pakistan for the safety and security of South Asia, expressed concerns about the current situation in Pakistan. She warned that the ongoing human rights violations and the lack of transparency and democratic processes in Pakistan threaten the region and the safety of Pakistan itself.
