The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday dismissed concerns over a bipartisan bill introduced in the US House of Representatives that calls for sanctions on Pakistani officials. The FO emphasized that the proposed legislation does not align with the “current positive dynamics” of Pakistan-US relations.
Titled the “Pakistan Democracy Act,” the bill was introduced on Monday by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson and Democrat Jimmy Panetta. It accuses Pakistani authorities of human rights violations, including the alleged persecution of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The bill has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees for further review.
If passed, the legislation would impose sanctions on Pakistan’s army chief within 180 days unless the country improves its human rights record. It also seeks to identify individuals involved in suppressing political opposition and place them on a sanctions list under the US Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act—which enables visa bans and entry restrictions for human rights violators. The bill further grants the US president authority to lift these sanctions if Pakistan curtails military involvement in governance and releases “wrongfully detained political prisoners.”
FO’s Response
Addressing the bill during his weekly press briefing, FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan clarified that it was the initiative of a “single individual legislator.” He stated,
“We believe the timing and context of this bill do not reflect the current state of Pakistan-US bilateral relations, which are built on mutual respect, understanding, and non-interference.”
He also pointed out that the bill would undergo extensive scrutiny in Congress before any potential approval.
“We hope the US Congress continues its constructive role in fostering Pakistan-US ties and focuses on areas of mutual cooperation that benefit both nations. Pakistan remains committed to democracy, constitutionalism, rule of law, human rights, and freedom of expression,” the FO spokesperson added.
He reiterated that the bill does not represent the official stance of the US government.
PTI’s Influence in US Politics
The bill’s introduction highlights the ongoing efforts of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters in the US, who have been actively lobbying American lawmakers since Imran Khan’s removal in 2022. Over the past three years, PTI-affiliated activists have staged protests, held meetings with US Congress members, and called for intervention in Pakistan’s political affairs.
In June 2024, a similar resolution was passed in the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, with 98% voting in favor. However, the Biden administration took no action.
Diplomatic Efforts to Counter the Bill
Pakistani diplomatic sources suggest that officials are likely to engage in behind-the-scenes negotiations to stall or counteract the bill through diplomatic channels. The matter was also discussed at a diplomatic reception at the Pakistan Embassy on Monday night.
While Pakistani officials acknowledge concerns regarding the bill, they remain optimistic that it will not gain sufficient traction for passage. They cite Islamabad’s continued strategic partnership with Washington, including Pakistan’s recent cooperation in the arrest and deportation of an Islamic State-Khorasan terrorist, as an example of its role in regional security.
US Lawmakers’ Calls for Imran Khan’s Release
Republican Congressmen Joe Wilson and August Pfluger recently sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging intervention to “restore democracy” in Pakistan.
In their letter, they stated,
“As staunch conservatives, we urge you to engage with Pakistan’s military leadership to secure Imran Khan’s release.”
Wilson also sent a similar letter to former President Donald Trump, arguing that Khan’s imprisonment could have implications for US strategic interests.
Additionally, several bipartisan members of Congress—including Greg Casar, Rashida Tlaib, Haley Stevens, Ilhan Omar, Brad Sherman, Ro Khanna, August Pfluger, and Jack Bergman—have publicly demanded Imran Khan’s release.
Expert Opinions & Possible Outcomes
While the bill underscores continued scrutiny of Pakistan’s human rights record in Washington, its future remains uncertain.
South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman described it as “one of the most significant pieces of legislation on Pakistan in recent years.” However, he acknowledged that while its passage remains unlikely, it “could unsettle Pakistan’s leadership.”
With Washington still viewing Pakistan as a key security ally, experts believe US interests will ultimately shape the course of engagement between the two nations.