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US lawmakers demand Blinken address human rights issues in Pakistan

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  • Expats alarmed by developments in Pakistan.
  • Demand immediate action to protect democratic institutions.
  • PAKPAC praise US lawmakers signed letter to Antony Blinken.

WASHINGTON: More than 60 US lawmakers, in a letter, asked Secretary of State Antony Blinken to exert pressure on the Pakistani government in order to address the worsening human rights situation in the country.

The letter was written after the efforts of the Pakistani-American Political Action Committee (PAKPAC).


The letter, coauthored by Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, was signed by 65 other lawmakers who are deeply troubled by the democratic backsliding and human rights abuses in Pakistan.

Khan, who was deposed as prime minister through a no-confidence move in April last year, was arrested on May 9 — the day when the country witnessed deadly protests. He was detained in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, but a court later declared his arrest against the law and granted him bail.

The deadly protests took the lives of at least 10 people and injured several others, with the authorities not only arresting the party leaders but thousands of PTI workers as well.


The timing of the letter is crucial as it comes just days after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan that lead to widespread chaos and massive protests throughout the nation.

The Pakistani-American community is alarmed by these developments and is demanding immediate action to protect democratic institutions, an independent judiciary, freedom of the press, and human rights in Pakistan.

Asad Malik, President of the PAKPAC National Board, stressed the significance of bipartisanship during this critical period for Pakistani democracy. He commended members of both parties for joining forces to express their concerns and defend the fundamental principles they hold dear.

The bipartisan support for the letter illustrates the unwavering commitment of elected officials to upholding democracy and human rights, transcending political differences, he stressed

The letter sent to Secretary Blinken highlights the urgency for the United States to ask Pakistan to halt its democratic backsliding and emphasise the need for robust measures to safeguard human rights, freedom of speech, press freedom, and the rule of law.

The PAKPAC praised the members of Congress who displayed exceptional leadership and dedication to democracy and human rights by signing the letter. Their commitment to protecting democracy and human rights in Pakistan serves as a testament to the power of collective action.

In the past three weeks, the PAKPAC mobilised more than 2,000 Pakistani Americans to write to their respective members of Congress, urging them to support the letter and encourage Secretary Blinken to hold the Pakistani government accountable for its actions.

This grassroots organising within the Pakistani American community demonstrates its growing political influence and its ability to make its voice heard through civic advocacy, the letter stated.

The PAKPAC and the Pakistani American community remain united in their pursuit of justice and democratic values, calling on Secretary Blinken and the United States government to provide unwavering support to ensure a prosperous and democratic future for Pakistan.
 

US congressmen's letter exposes Imran as 'foreign agent': Fazl

US congressmen's letter exposes Imran as 'foreign agent': Fazl

Fazlur Rehman said that Imran Khan was launched in Pakistan as part of an international agenda.
19 May,2023 02:53 pm
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) head Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday alleged that a letter written by the US congressmen, calling for the protection of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, had confirmed his long-held belief that Imran Khan had been a “foreign agent”.

Addressing a press conference, he said 60 US Members of Parliament had written to the US Secretary of State that Imran Khan should be given protection from the actions taken against him.

Fazlur Rehman said Imran Khan had previously waved a letter claiming it was from America, intended to topple his government. However, he added, the recent letter revealed the truth that he himself was a “foreign agent”. He claimed that “Imran Khan was launched in Pakistan as part of an international agenda and a special plan by external forces to destroy the country”.

The events of May 9 reinforced that notion as PTI workers vandalised public and private property, proving that whose agent Imran was and whose agenda he was working on, he said, adding that the nexus of Imran Khan’s “backers had been exposed”.

Fazlur Rehman pointed out that PTI supporters rampaged across the country, attacking national institutions, military establishments, including GHQ, and desecrating holy manuscripts. Even sites of historical and cultural significance, like Bala Hissar Fort in Peshawar, were not spared, he added.

The PDM chief said ironically “Imran Khan is getting immunity from arrest in all cases, including murder”. He was playing with the Constitution but was getting protection from the courts, which was not acceptable, he added.

He said the PDM staged a demonstration to protest against “unfair and partial verdicts” as it was adversely affecting the justice system.

Fazlur Rehman said, “Imran Khan, an unnecessary element in Pakistan’s politics, is being protected under a special agenda to weaken the nation.”

Reiterating his respect for state institutions, he said,” A few members of the judiciary have adopted a biased conduct, which should be rectified. We have shown our peaceful response in our demonstration,” he added.

Regarding PTI’s stance on the May 9 vandalism, he remarked that if the rioters were not the PTI workers, it meant that no one was supporting them. He criticised Imran Khan for disowning his own people while instigating them to riot.

Fazlur Rehman denied the accusation that they were playing the “religion card,” asserting that religion was their cause and goal, and they would fight for it.

When asked about negotiating with the PTI, he said he was personally not in favour of such talks.

Answering a question about ending the PDM sit-in, Fazlur Rehman said the purpose of the peaceful protest was achieved within a single day.

 

US congressmen's letter exposes Imran as 'foreign agent': Fazl

US congressmen's letter exposes Imran as 'foreign agent': Fazl's letter exposes Imran as 'foreign agent': Fazl

Fazlur Rehman said that Imran Khan was launched in Pakistan as part of an international agenda.
19 May,2023 02:53 pm
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) head Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday alleged that a letter written by the US congressmen, calling for the protection of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, had confirmed his long-held belief that Imran Khan had been a “foreign agent”.

Addressing a press conference, he said 60 US Members of Parliament had written to the US Secretary of State that Imran Khan should be given protection from the actions taken against him.

Fazlur Rehman said Imran Khan had previously waved a letter claiming it was from America, intended to topple his government. However, he added, the recent letter revealed the truth that he himself was a “foreign agent”. He claimed that “Imran Khan was launched in Pakistan as part of an international agenda and a special plan by external forces to destroy the country”.

The events of May 9 reinforced that notion as PTI workers vandalised public and private property, proving that whose agent Imran was and whose agenda he was working on, he said, adding that the nexus of Imran Khan’s “backers had been exposed”.

Fazlur Rehman pointed out that PTI supporters rampaged across the country, attacking national institutions, military establishments, including GHQ, and desecrating holy manuscripts. Even sites of historical and cultural significance, like Bala Hissar Fort in Peshawar, were not spared, he added.

The PDM chief said ironically “Imran Khan is getting immunity from arrest in all cases, including murder”. He was playing with the Constitution but was getting protection from the courts, which was not acceptable, he added.

He said the PDM staged a demonstration to protest against “unfair and partial verdicts” as it was adversely affecting the justice system.

Fazlur Rehman said, “Imran Khan, an unnecessary element in Pakistan’s politics, is being protected under a special agenda to weaken the nation.”

Reiterating his respect for state institutions, he said,” A few members of the judiciary have adopted a biased conduct, which should be rectified. We have shown our peaceful response in our demonstration,” he added.

Regarding PTI’s stance on the May 9 vandalism, he remarked that if the rioters were not the PTI workers, it meant that no one was supporting them. He criticised Imran Khan for disowning his own people while instigating them to riot.

Fazlur Rehman denied the accusation that they were playing the “religion card,” asserting that religion was their cause and goal, and they would fight for it.

When asked about negotiating with the PTI, he said he was personally not in favour of such talks.

Answering a question about ending the PDM sit-in, Fazlur Rehman said the purpose of the peaceful protest was achieved within a single day.

Jumme ke din is khabees ki shakal dikha kar galiyan kyun nikal wa rahe ho
 
US is playing on both sides of the fence. Ultimately the loser will be these dirty Generals irrespective of the outcome because the hatred 99% of Pakistani Awam has for these vicious hyenas will take many decades to subside this is assuming that this country will be still intact by then because all signs are pointing to KPK awam gaining independence from these vultures.
 
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