A bipartisan US bill that was introduced on Monday called for the release of previous Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, who called him a “political prisoner,” and put restrictions on General Asim Munir, the Army’s commander, over reported “persecution of political competitors.
The” Pakistan Democracy Act,” which advocates for targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, was introduced by Representatives Joe Wilson (R-S. C. ) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif. ).
Rep. Wilson told The Hill,” Khan is undoubtedly a democratic prisoner.” Additionally, he has even urged President Donald Trump to “put force on Pakistan’s military administration, including through immigration prohibitions, to restore democracy and release Khan,” in a text.
Khan was detained in August 2023 on fraud charges after being removed from office in 2022 through a no-confidence voting.
His followers claim the government supports his re-election campaign and that the charges are politically motivated. His transfer has been a constant request from politicians from both major US functions.
Members of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ( PTI ) party anticipate the Trump administration’s response to his release. Richard Grenell, Trump’s “envoy for specific expeditions,” has publicly supported Khan on social media while Trump is silent on the situation.
Khan continued to blame Washington for working with Pakistan’s opposition to replace him, citing his independent foreign policy and opposition to British influence, however, following his removal.
His removal was portrayed as an assault on Muslim sovereignty by his open gatherings, which included anti-American language. These claims have been refuted by the Biden management.
Wilson acknowledged rejecting Khan’s ideas, but added that such disagreements may be resolved democratically, stating that “political variations may be resolved at the poll box.”
What is required by the act?
Within 180 days of the passage of the act, the US government must discover those who have been subject to political persecution in Pakistan and impose sanctions, including visa suspensions and entry restrictions.
It especially accuses General Asim Munir of “knowingly engaging in the unjust persecution and prison of political competitors” and calls for similar actions against another.
If Pakistan lifts its military rule, restores human politics, and releases all political leaders held in detention, the bill allows for sanctions to be lifted.
