The letter, coauthored by Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), urges Secretary Blinken to prioritize the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights in Pakistan
66 Members of US Congress Write Letter to Secy Blinken on Situation in Pakistan
66 members of the United States Congress have written a letter urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken to persuade the Government of Pakistan towards a greater commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, according to the Council of Pakistan (COP).
In an e-mail message, COP claimed that as supporters of a strong bilateral US-Pakistan relationship, the Congress members have become increasingly concerned about the current situation in Pakistan, which includes bans on demonstrations and the deaths of government critics. In this critical moment, US diplomatic leadership is necessary to prevent further erosion of democratic protections. The letter makes it clear that supporting democracy in Pakistan is in the national interest of the United States of America.
According to the Council of Pakistan, the United States lawmakers are getting concerned at the news coming out of Pakistan - torture, arrests of political leaders, torture of women who are demonstrating, and torture of journalists. This behavior is not new and is being repeated, reminiscent of the period when East Pakistan separated from Pakistan forming Bangladesh.
The United States lawmakers, according to the Council of Pakistan, are being urged by Pakistani Americans to put US sanction on Pakistan Government officials who are involved in human rights violations.
The COP message also mentioned that Congresswoman Maxine Waters, a senior member of the United States Congress, had spoken to former Prime Minister Imran Khan via Zoom before his recent arrest.
PAKPAC Commends Congress Members
Washington, DC: The Pakistani American Political Action Committee (PAKPAC), a leading advocate for good governance and democracy in Pakistan, has commended the 66 Members of Congress who sent a powerful message to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken with their Dear Colleague letter on human rights and democratic backsliding in Pakistan.
A PAKPAC statement reads:
This letter coauthored by Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), urges the Secretary to prioritize the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights in Pakistan.
The letter comes at a critical moment - sent to Secretary Blinken merely days after the government of Pakistan arrested a former Prime Minister along with thousands of his supporters, throwing the nation into chaos and bringing out millions to the streets in protest. This alarming turn of events has sparked immense concern amongst the Pakistani-American community and amplified the urgency for immediate action to protect democratic institutions, independent judiciary, freedom of press and human rights in Pakistan.
Asad Malik, President of the PAKPAC National Board, emphasized the importance of bipartisanship during this challenging time for Pakistani democracy, stating, "At this critical juncture, with the foundations of democracy in Pakistan under threat, it is heartening to see members of both parties uniting to express their deep concern and stand up for the principles we hold dear. The bipartisan support for this letter demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our elected officials to upholding democracy and human rights, regardless of our political differences."
The letter sent to Secretary Blinken underscores the need for the United States to push Pakistan to curb democratic backsliding while also advocating for robust measures to protect human rights, freedom of speech, press freedom, and the rule of law. PAKPAC commends the Members of Congress who have shown exceptional leadership and dedication to democracy and human rights by signing the letter. Their commitment to safeguarding democracy and human rights in Pakistan is a testament to the power of collective action.
Over the past three weeks PAKPAC helped more than 2,000 Pakistani Americans write to their members of Congress encouraging them to sign onto the letter and push the Secretary of State to hold the government of Pakistan accountable on democracy and human rights. This grassroots organizing within the Pakistani American community demonstrates this group's growing political power and its increased ability to make its voice heard on the Hill through civic advocacy. As PAKPAC, along with our community, stands united in this pursuit of justice and democratic values, we call upon Secretary Blinken and the United States government to lend their unwavering support to ensure a prosperous and democratic future for Pakistan.
