A new U.S. Congressional letter is currently circulating, urging President Joe Biden to pressure the Pakistani establishment for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The letter, spearheaded by Democratic Congresswoman Susan Wild (PA-7) and Republican Congressman John James (MI-10), also calls for the removal of U.S Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome for his failure to uphold U.S. democratic values in Pakistan.
Election Irregularities and Human Rights Violations
The Wild-James letter calls for the Biden administration to act on the provisions of H. Res. 901, which passed in the House with broad bipartisan support. This legislation reflects Congress’s bipartisan stance on escalating human rights abuses and the erosion of civil liberties in Pakistan following its February 2024 National Assembly elections.
The letter claims these elections were marred by widespread irregularities, electoral fraud, and the systemic suppression of Pakistan’s leading party, PTI. Specific grievances include disenfranchising PTI in the lead-up to the vote and overturning precinct-level results showing a strong showing for PTI-associated independents.
The Congressmen further highlight that vital election-monitoring reports, including the Commonwealth Observer Group’s final report and a European Union assessment, were reportedly blocked from publication by Pakistani authorities. They express alarm over worsening conditions since the election, emphasizing crackdowns on civil liberties, especially freedom of expression. The letter condemns the increasingly authoritarian measures Pakistani authorities are using to suppress dissent, including mass arrests, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on social media platforms, alongside broader efforts to slow internet access in the country.
Unlawful Imprisonment of Former PM Imran Khan
Central to the letter is a plea for the U.S. government to advocate for the immediate release of Imran Khan and all political detainees, ensuring their safety in line with findings from the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
The Congressmen point out that Imran Khan’s detention has drawn international condemnation, with Amnesty International and numerous human rights organizations joining the UN Working Group in demanding his release. They also note that senior PTI members, including Yasmin Rashid and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, have been detained for over a year, highlighting a concerning trend of political repression.
Ambassador Blome’s Shortcomings and the Need for Change
The letter also calls for the replacement of U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, citing his failure to address critical issues unfolding in the country. Congress members argue that Ambassador Blome has passively observed the erosion of democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan, neglecting his responsibility to uphold U.S. values and interests. According to the letter, Blome’s silence on these pressing matters—despite urgent demands from Congress and the Pakistani American community for an electoral investigation—reflects a dereliction of his duty to promote U.S. democratic principles.
The letter recounts that, immediately following the disputed elections, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad welcomed the new administration despite widespread domestic opposition and mounting questions about its legitimacy. Five months later, a New York Times report described this government as “struggling to establish its legitimacy” and criticized it as being perceived as “little more than a front for the military.” The Congressmen believe that this statement reflects poorly on Ambassador Blome’s leadership and call for his replacement. The letter underscores the need for the next Ambassador to prioritize human rights and democratic values actively.
The Congressmen argue that the United States has a responsibility to pursue a policy toward Pakistan that upholds human rights, dignity, and democratic aspirations. The letter closes by affirming that sustainable U.S.-Pakistan relations must be rooted in a commitment to democracy and universal rights.
The Signers
- Bergman, Jack (R-MI)
- James, John (R-MI) – FAC
- Khanna, Ro (D-CA)
- Kildee, Daniel (D-MI)
- Krishnamoorthi, Raja (D-IL)
- McCormick, Richard (R-GA) – FAC
- McGovern, James (D-MA)
- Moolenaar, John (R- MI)
- Norton, Eleanor (D- DC)
- Ryan, Patrick (D- NY)
- Slotkin, Elissa (D- MI)
- Stanton, Greg (D- AZ) – FAC
- Swalwell, Eric (D -CA)
- Titus, Dina (D – NV) – FAC
- Tlaib, Rashida (D – MI)
- Walberg, Tim (R – MI)
- Wild, Susan (D – PA) – FAC
The Wild-James letter will remain open for signatures for another week. This follows a previous letter initiated by Congressman Greg Casar, which garnered support from over 60 members of Congress.
source : globalvillagespace