WASHINGTON (AP) — Several US politicians, including Congressman Brad Sherman, have issued a joint plea for Pakistan to hold free, fair, and internationally-monitored general elections.
This demand was made at an event called ‘Status of Human Rights and Democracy in Pakistan,’ which highlighted crucial concerns concerning Pakistan. Human rights violations, missing people cases, forthcoming general elections, politically motivated arrests, the necessity of media freedom, and the advancement of democracy were among the topics discussed.
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Congressman Sherman underlined that Pakistan is going through a difficult time and reaffirmed America’s commitment to the ideals of the rule of law and democracy. He emphasized that the US is committed to these objectives above any specific agreement on foreign policy with a certain prime minister.
The event, hosted by Congressmen Sherman and Jim Costa and organized by prominent Pakistani-American figure Dr Asif Mahmood, was attended by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters who displayed portraits of journalist Imran Riaz Khan and incarcerated fashion designer Khadija Shah, a dual citizen detained by Pakistani authorities following the May 9 violent incidents.
Short movies depicting alleged brutality and the May 9 riots were shown during the event, but without audio. Furthermore, Riaz’s family requested that he be located and brought before the courts.
The conversation went into Pakistan’s urgent challenges, with some US politicians encouraging the administration to stop from trial civilians in military courts and advocating for the blasphemy law to be repealed or modified.
Throughout the nearly two-hour session, the Pakistani government was pushed repeatedly to announce an election date and enable international observation to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. Congressman Kweisi Mfume went so far as to request UN oversight.
In addition, Congressman Eric Swalwell wrote to Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington to inquire about Riaz’s whereabouts.
Other members of Congress, including Ted Lieu, Adam Schiff, and Mike Levin, emphasized the importance of protecting human rights, democratic ideals, and free speech.
Congresswoman Judy Chu acknowledged the importance of the United States’ partnership with Pakistan for regional safety and security, but voiced concern that Pakistan’s current condition poses a threat to its own security.
