Pakistan Denounces US 'Democracy Act' Bill Aimed at Sanctioning Army Chief
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Synopsis
Pakistan's Foreign Office has criticized a US bipartisan bill for proposing sanctions against state officials, including the Army Chief, due to alleged human rights violations. The country dismissed the bill as an isolated opinion, not reflective of US-Pakistan relations, and condemned recent US sanctions on its commercial entities.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan Foreign Office criticizes US bipartisan bill.
- Bill seeks sanctions against state officials, including Army Chief.
- Pakistan labels the bill an 'isolated act'.
- Condemnation of recent US sanctions on Pakistani entities.
- Experts note the bill increases pressure on the Pakistani government.
Islamabad, March 27 (NationPress) The Pakistan Foreign Office (PFO) has expressed its serious concern over a bipartisan bill presented by US lawmakers in the House of Representatives that proposes sanctions against state officials, including the Army Chief, due to purported human rights abuses. Pakistan rejected the bill on Thursday, labeling it an "isolated act" and merely the viewpoint of certain individuals, which does not accurately reflect the diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Washington.
Furthermore, Pakistan condemned the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on various commercial entities within the country, describing them as another unilateral decision made without proper consultation, evidence, or substantiation.
"We are aware of the bill introduced in the US Congress. It reflects the opinion of an individual and not the broader US-Pakistan ties," stated Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan during a weekly press briefing on Thursday.
This response from Pakistan follows the introduction of a bill in the House of Representatives by two US lawmakers, which calls for sanctions against the Pakistani government and Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir for alleged persecution of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and purported human rights violations. The bill suggests the imposition of sanctions within 180 days if the country does not take steps to enhance its human rights situation.
Titled 'The Pakistan Democracy Act', the bill was introduced by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson and Democratic Congressman Jimmy Panetta. It has since been referred to the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committee for evaluation.
This legislation also seeks to invoke the US Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which allows the United States to deny visas and entry to individuals accused of human rights violations.
To become law, the bill must be approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by signature from US President Donald Trump.
Experts suggest that even if the bill does not pass through the review process, it undoubtedly places pressure on the government and military establishment in Pakistan to allow more space and leverage for former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned on charges of corruption, sedition, and incitement to violence. All accusations have been characterized as fabricated and false by Khan and his party.
