Pakistani civil society groups, led by First Pakistan Global, have initiated a campaign to hold top officials of Pakistan’s military accountable for human rights violations. This effort has materialized into a letter circulating within the U.S. Congress, which calls for sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, against Pakistan’s top military brass, notably Army Chief General Asim Munir. The letter highlights the illegal political imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, widespread abuses of power, and the erosion of democratic norms in Pakistan.
Exclusive: As the fascist regime led by Asim Munir continues its crackdown on Pakistan’s pro-democracy movement, over 37 honorable members of Congress—including Tom Lantos Human rights commission Co- Chair Jim McGovern, Casar, and Lee—are circulating the strongest letter yet… https://t.co/mtmiNHwmAV
— FirstPakistanGlobal (@FirstPakGlobal) October 15, 2024
The letter, officially recognized as Human Rights Resolution 901, marks an unprecedented push for concrete U.S. action against Pakistan’s military leadership.
A Growing Coalition in Congress
The initiative has garnered significant support in Congress, with 37 members having signed the letter as of the latest update. The letter’s lead proponents include Congressman Greg Casar and Dan Kildee, both of whom have been vocal advocates for democracy and human rights in Pakistan. Casar, who played a pivotal role in drafting the letter, previously spearheaded a similar effort in March, during which he questioned Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu about the U.S. stance on Pakistan’s political crisis.
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Among the prominent signatories are Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the Financial Services Committee, which oversees asset freezes; Rosa DeLauro, chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee, which has the authority to restrict U.S. cooperation with Pakistan; and Barbara Lee, head of the Appropriations Subcommittee that controls funding for the State Department. These influential legislators are uniquely positioned to shape the U.S. response to Pakistan’s deteriorating political situation.
Why This Letter is Different
The letter does not merely offer criticism—it demands tangible actions from the U.S. government. The signatories are pressing the State Department for clear answers on what steps have been taken to address the political oppression in Pakistan. If the State Department is unable to demonstrate specific measures, its tacit support for Pakistan’s regime will be exposed, potentially setting the stage for more aggressive action from Congress. The letter also directly targets Gen. Asim Munir, naming him as someone “credibly accused of violating democratic principles and human rights,” a first in U.S. political history.
The letter’s language is harsh and unambiguous. It calls for the release of all political prisoners, including Imran Khan, and emphasizes that the current Pakistani government has lost legitimacy among its people. Furthermore, the letter is particularly critical of the White House, accusing it of delaying the imposition of visa bans and asset freezes on officials implicated in human rights abuses. The signatories demand a timeline for when these sanctions will be enforced, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The Impact of Visa Bans and Asset Freezes
The travel bans and asset freezes outlined in the letter are more than symbolic. They would bar Pakistani officials, including Gen. Munir, from escaping to the U.S. and enjoying wealth accumulated through corrupt practices. Such sanctions would also serve as a signal that the U.S. is no longer willing to engage with Pakistani leaders who undermine democracy and human rights. The letter makes it clear that if the White House fails to act, Congress will move to enforce these measures through binding legislation.
This potential shift in U.S. policy has significant implications for Pakistan’s military leadership. By targeting high-ranking officials with sanctions, the letter aims to disrupt their ability to travel and access financial resources in the U.S., further isolating them on the international stage. The threat of Congressional action puts additional pressure on the Biden administration to align its foreign policy with its stated commitment to human rights and democratic governance.
The Letter’s Broader Significance
This letter signals a new chapter in the relationship between the Pakistani-American diaspora and U.S. lawmakers. It represents a growing movement within the diaspora, along with non-Pakistani human rights activists, to push for a pro-democracy agenda in Pakistan. This shift reflects the increasing political sophistication of the Pakistani-American community, which has become more active and empowered in recent years.
امریکی کانگریس میںُ پاکستان کے آرمی چیف جرنل عاصم منیر اور سینئر ملیٹری اور انٹیلی جنس افسروں پہ پابندی کے لیے جو قرارداد لائی جا رہی ہے، وہ بہت اہم ہے! اس وڈیو کی Description میںُ آپ کو ایک لنک ملے گا جسے استعمال کر کے آپ اپنے کانگریس مین کو خط بیجھ سکتے ہیں! اب تک ۳۷ کانگریس…
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) October 16, 2024
The letter’s detailed demands and unprecedented level of policy specificity set it apart from previous Congressional efforts. It serves as a direct challenge to the State Department and Donald Lu, warning that if action is not taken swiftly, Congress will move forward with legislation that will force the administration’s hand. The letter’s signatories effectively form a Pakistan Democracy and Human Rights Caucus, representing a significant political force in U.S. foreign policy discussions about Pakistan.
The Path Forward
The letter is still open for additional signatures, and Pakistani-Americans are being urged to contact their Congressional representatives to lend support to the initiative. A coordinated grassroots movement is essential to ensure that the letter gains as many signatories as possible before it is published and reported by the U.S. media. The ultimate goal is to secure the backing of key decision-makers in Washington and push for decisive action against Pakistan’s military regime.
The next few weeks will be critical in determining the U.S. response to the political crisis in Pakistan. The pressure from Congress, combined with growing advocacy from Pakistani-American civil society, could force the Biden administration to reconsider its approach to Pakistan and take a stronger stance in support of democracy and human rights.
As the letter’s list of signatories grows, it becomes increasingly clear that the Pakistani-American diaspora is no longer willing to stand by as Pakistan’s military establishment erodes democratic principles and undermines civil liberties. With Gen. Asim Munir now explicitly named in a U.S. Congressional letter, the message is clear: the international community will not tolerate continued abuses of power in Pakistan, and the time for change is now.
URGENT: ASK YOUR CONGRESSMEMBER TO SIGN HISTORIC LETTER CALLING FOR IMRAN KHAN’S RELEASE!
Reps. Casar, McGovern, & Lee (PA) are circulating a letter asking @POTUS to take action to free political prisoners and defend democracy!
CONTACT YOUR REP HERE: https://t.co/kHKSjQwUBM
— FirstPakistanGlobal (@FirstPakGlobal) September 27, 2024
