Allegations of Harassment and International Law Violations
The lawmakers' primary apprehension revolves around alleged threats, intimidation, and harassment directed not only at Pakistani citizens but also at US citizens and residents, along with their families in Pakistan, who have dared to criticize the regime. The letter details disturbing tactics such as arbitrary detentions, coercion, and retaliatory violence, which are reportedly being used against diaspora individuals and their relatives, extending the regime's reach beyond its borders. Such actions, the letter emphasizes, directly infringe upon the "right to freedom of expression" enshrined in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, a treaty to which Pakistan is a signatory. Furthermore, the representatives voiced alarm over potential "foreign interference on US soil" as a direct consequence of these repressive strategies.
Scrutiny Over 2024 Elections and Democratic Backsliding
A significant portion of their concern addresses the integrity of Pakistan's 2024 general elections. The lawmakers are calling for a thorough investigation into the electoral process, which they describe as "widely condemned for irregularities." They cite the Pattan Report, an independent Pakistani civil society study that documented numerous election irregularities, and recall the US State Department's own public expressions of alarm and its call for a full probe. The letter suggests that the outcome of these elections has merely installed a "pliant civilian façade," further entrenching an "escalating crisis of authoritarianism" where democratic institutions and fundamental liberties are systematically undermined.
Call for Targeted Sanctions and Accountability
In light of these grave concerns, the coalition of lawmakers has urged the implementation of targeted punitive measures. These include advocating for visa bans and asset freezes against specific Pakistani officials identified as responsible for orchestrating transnational repression, widespread human rights violations, and the systematic suppression of dissent within the country. Their plea underscores a growing demand for accountability and a robust international response to the deteriorating situation in Pakistan.