US Legislators Propose Sanctions on Pakistan Army Chief

Synopsis

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced the 'Pakistan Democracy Act' to impose sanctions on General Syed Asim Munir and others for politically motivated persecution, including actions against former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The bill aims for implementation within 180 days and is rooted in the Global Magnitsky Act.

Key Takeaways

Bipartisan legislation seeks sanctions on Pakistan's military leaders.
Targeting General Syed Asim Munir for political persecution.
Legislation named 'Pakistan Democracy Act'.
Sanctions to be enacted within 180 days.
Former PM Imran Khan among those affected.

Washington, March 25 (NationPress) A bipartisan group of US legislators has put forth a proposal for sanctions against Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, along with other Generals and officials, for their role in the prosecution of political opponents, including the detained former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The legislation, introduced by Joe Willson, a Republican, and Jimmy Panetta, a Democrat and son of former CIA Director and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, is named the 'Pakistan Democracy Act'. This act aims to implement sanctions within 180 days following its enactment, utilizing the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act of 2017, which the US has employed to penalize foreign officials.

The bill accuses Munir of deliberately participating in the wrongful persecution and imprisonment of political adversaries. According to a report from The Hill, which reviewed the bill, it also aims to identify additional individuals allegedly involved in this persecution and subject them to similar sanctions.

"I am thankful to present the Pakistan Democracy Act to penalize those who are undermining democracy in Pakistan!" Wilson posted on X, accompanied by an image of Imran Khan.

For the bill to become law, it must secure approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by the signature of President Donald Trump.

Wilson had previously announced his plans to propose this legislation in February, indicating his desire to impose comparable restrictions on those involved. "I am grateful to be nearing completion of the Pakistan Democracy Act. The bill establishes that it is US policy to restore democracy in Pakistan and mandates a 30-day review for sanctions on Asim Munir, as well as evaluating all Generals and government officials and their families for potential sanctions," he stated.

Former Prime Minister Khan was ousted from his position in 2022 after a no-confidence vote led by united opposition parties. He was followed by Shehbaz Sharif, the opposition leader and brother of former PM Nawaz Sharif. Sharif completed Khan's unfinished term and subsequently won the next general election, commencing a full term in 2024.