US congressman “alarmed” by Pakistan’s breaches of human rights
US Congressman and Democratic leader Brad Sherman raised alarm on Sunday on the alleged persecution of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, employees, and journalists over the previous year.
The lawmaker for California’s 32nd congressional district said in a video message that Pakistan and the US have had a solid relationship since the 1940s.
“America must support democracy and human rights around the world and particularly in Pakistan,” he said, adding that this was also in line with the wishes of the IMF –the global money lender with whom Pakistan seeks the revival of a long-delayed bailout package.
Listing down a host of challenges that the country faces, Sherman stressed that what was most alarming for him were the events of the past year, including the “alleged custodial torture and sexual abuse of political figures such as [former] prime minister Imran Khan’s chief of staff Shahbaz Gill and the journalist Jameel Farooqui”.
“Most recently, we grieve the loss of the political activist Zille Shah [Ali Bilal] and the journalist Arshad Sharif,” he continued.
Sherman also expressed worry over “the anti-terrorism prosecution against Imran Khan as well as the decision by the Electoral Commission of Pakistan to disqualify him”.
“Only a few days ago, Pakistan’s media watchdog forbade television channels from airing the former prime minister’s addresses and press conferences, claiming that he had attacked government institutions and incited hostility. Moreover, ARY News, a privately owned news channel, had its licence suspended “He continued.
He also maintained that his statements were not intended to “support anybody for any political office in Pakistan”, noting that he had in the past disagreed with Imran on “a number of international issues”.
“Rather, I am advocating for freedom of speech, due process and an even-handed application of the rule of law in Pakistan,” he stressed.
Sherman also said that the US Congress would continue to monitor the developments in Pakistan and was ready to provide whatever support the government may need for upholding human rights.
“Pakistani authorities should investigate the alleged abuses and hold accountable anyone who is responsible. Most importantly, we urge the authorities to make sure that going forward people are free and we don’t see political figures and citizens who simply want to participate in the process subjected to anti-democratic acts,” the US representative said.
It should be emphasised that before to publishing the video, Sherman spoke on the phone with Imran and had a meeting with Pakistani benefactor Dr. Asif Mahmood.
The change follows months of friction between the US and the PTI following Imran’s removal from office, which lately seemed to lessen.
Notwithstanding its outward hostility to the US, the PTI is working behind the scenes to mend fences with Washington. The erstwhile ruling party has not only given up its anti-US narrative but has also talked with the superpower about its future intentions to rescue the nation from its economic doldrums.
Also read:US hinted at restarting post-9/11 anti-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan.
