Two US lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill seeking to impose sanctions on Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, accusing him of engaging in the wrongful persecution and imprisonment of political opponents, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The bill, named the “Pakistan Democracy Act,” was introduced on Monday by Republican Representative Joe Wilson from South Carolina and Democratic Representative Jimmy Panetta from California.
The legislation accuses General Munir of “knowingly engaging in the wrongful persecution and imprisonment of political opponents,” and seeks to impose sanctions on the military leader under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The proposed sanctions would include restrictions such as denial of entry into the United States and ineligibility for US visas. The bill also calls for identifying other individuals responsible for the alleged persecution and applying similar restrictions to them.
The bill gives the US President the authority to lift the sanctions if certain conditions are met, including the end of military rule in Pakistan, the restoration of rule of law, and a civilian-led democracy. Additionally, the release of all wrongfully detained political prisoners, including Imran Khan, would be a prerequisite for lifting the sanctions.
Representative Joe Wilson, in support of the bill, referred to Imran Khan, 72, as a “political prisoner” and blamed Pakistan's powerful military for his “unjust detention.” The introduction of the bill comes amidst growing international pressure on Pakistan regarding its treatment of political opponents, particularly following Khan’s imprisonment and the ongoing political turmoil in the country.
This move signals increasing concerns in the US over human rights violations in Pakistan and the role of the military in suppressing political dissent. The bill's passage could significantly impact US-Pakistan relations, especially if the sanctions are enforced.
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