Amid the ongoing political unrest in Pakistan, a group of 66 U.S. legislators has called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to advocate for democracy and human rights in the country, despite the Biden administration’s hesitancy to take a partisan stance.
The letter addressed to Secretary Blinken communicated the lawmakers’ anxiety over Pakistan’s current situation. It encouraged the deployment of all diplomatic means to pressure the Pakistani government towards upholding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. They further asked Blinken to encourage Islamabad to probe any potential violations of the country’s free speech and assembly rights.
However, recent statements from the U.S. State Department indicated its neutrality, stressing that the U.S. does not favor any specific political party or candidate in Pakistan. Department spokesperson Vedant Patel reiterated this stance, emphasizing that a strong, stable, and prosperous Pakistan is essential for a robust U.S.-Pakistan relationship.
The Pakistani American Political Action Committee (PAKPAC), which prompted this initiative, applauded the 66 legislators for addressing their concerns to Secretary Blinken. The letter’s release followed the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, which incited widespread protests resulting in violence, loss of life, and substantial property damage across Pakistan.
PAKPAC expressed significant concern over these events, underlining the urgency of immediate action to safeguard democratic institutions, an independent judiciary, press freedom, and human rights in Pakistan. During these turbulent times, PAKPAC’s president, Asad Malik, underscored the need for bipartisan support for the Pakistani population.
The letter to Secretary Blinken emphasized that supporting democracy in Pakistan aligns with the national interests of the United States.
