By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: US lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill on Monday, targeting Pakistani officials with sanctions for human rights violations and actions undermining democracy, signaling a push to hold accountable those accused of suppressing freedoms in the South Asian nation.
The Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act (H.R. 5271) was unveiled by Republican Bill Huizenga, chairman of the House Subcommittee on South and Central Asia from Michigan, and co-led by California Democrat Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Dawn newspaper reported. Original cosponsors include Republicans John Moolenaar, Rich McCormick, Jack Bergman, Mike Lawler, and Jefferson Shreve, alongside Democrats Julie Johnson and Joaquin Castro.
The legislation leverages the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, enabling the US president to sanction current or former senior Pakistani government, military, or security officials for severe human rights abuses or corruption. It reaffirms US support for free and fair elections in Pakistan and underscores the importance of upholding democratic institutions and human rights.
The bill builds on House Resolution 901, passed in June 2024 with strong bipartisan backing, which voiced support for Pakistani democracy, demanded protections for elections, and urged the US administration to engage Islamabad on human rights, rule of law, and free expression.
“The United States will not stand by as individuals in Pakistan’s government, military, or security forces commit or downplay blatant human rights abuses. The Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act is a bipartisan step to protect Pakistan’s people by holding bad actors accountable and ensuring democratic processes and free speech prevail,” Huizenga said.
Kamlager-Dove added that “promoting democracy and protecting human rights are core to US foreign policy and must guide our engagement with Pakistan. Amid global democratic backsliding, we must uphold these values and hold violators accountable. I’m proud to join Chairman Huizenga in targeting those who threaten Pakistan’s democracy, human rights, and rule of law.”
Pakistani-American advocacy groups have been pivotal in promoting the bill and the earlier resolution. Asad Malik, former president of the Pakistan-American Public Affairs Committee, said the legislation “empowers Pakistan’s people and ensures violators of human rights, free speech, and democracy face consequences.”
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