Web Desk, May 19, 2023: More than 65 US lawmakers have urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to “prioritize the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights in Pakistan.”
The demand was voiced in a letter written to Secretary Blinken and shared on social media portal Twitter by The Pakistani American Political Action Committee (PAKPAC).
“We write to express our concerns about the current situation in Pakistan and urge you to use all diplomatic tools at your disposal to pressure the government of Pakistan towards a greater commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” the lawmakers wrote.
The PAKPAC, which initiated the move, was all praise for the 66 lawmakers for writing the letter to Secretary Blinken.
The letter, coauthored by Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, was released days after former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested. The arrest led to violent clashes between the supporters of Imran and law enforcement personnel.
At least 10 people were killed in violent clashes and several government buildings were ransacked and set on fire.
“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,” the PAKPAC said in a statement.
PAKPAC president Asad Malik stressed the importance of providing bipartisan — Democrats and Republicans — support to the Pakistani people during this challenging time.
“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,” he said.
“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 reminded Secretary Blinken that “supporting democracy in Pakistan is in the national interest of the United States”.
It may be recalled that the Biden administration has shown reluctance to take sides in the current political dispute in Pakistan. The US State Department has also expressed the same views in news briefings on many occasions.