US Congress expresses concern over Pakistan’s 2024 elections under military guise

Forty-two influential US lawmakers have written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio over escalating human rights violations and international repression in Pakistan. The letter is led by Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Congressman Greg Casar.

On Thursday (4 December), the Indian English-language international media outlet WION reported this development.

In the letter dated 3 December, the lawmakers stated that Pakistan is moving towards authoritarianism and systematically dismantling democratic institutions. They argued that holding Pakistan’s military leadership accountable is also a responsibility of the United States. The lawmakers urged the administration to swiftly consider measures such as visa bans and asset freezes.

The letter also highlighted the case of investigative journalist Ahmed Noorani, who faced abduction and assault in Islamabad after publishing reports on military corruption. Additionally, threats from the military to Pakistani-American musician Salman Ahmed and his family were mentioned. The letter noted that Salman Ahmed’s brother-in-law was also abducted and detained without charges, an issue resolved through intervention by the US State Department and the FBI.

Khaborwala/SS