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News Topical, Digital Desk : 42 members of the US Congress have written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, demanding tough measures such as visa bans and asset freezes against top Pakistani officials.
The letter, led by Democratic lawmakers Pramila Jayapal and Greg Kaiser, alleges that Pakistan's military-backed government is targeting critics and their families living in the US through "international repression."
The lawmakers said that American citizens who criticize Pakistan's military establishment have faced threats, harassment, and the kidnapping of their family members. The letter cited the kidnappings of Virginia-based journalist Ahmed Noorani and Pakistani-American artist Salman Ahmed.
What did the MPs warn?
The lawmakers warned that Pakistan was facing a serious authoritarian crisis, with opposition leaders being detained without charge, journalists being intimidated and forced to leave the country, and ordinary citizens being arrested for social media posts.
The lawmakers alleged extreme repression, particularly against women, religious minorities, and the Baloch community. The letter also cited irregularities in Pakistan's 2024 general elections and the findings of the independent Pattan Report. The lawmakers stated that the civilian government had become a "puppet of the military" after the elections, and that the Supreme Court's decision to allow civilians to be tried in military courts amounted to an end to judicial independence.
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