Congresswoman Bush joins Reps. Omar, Casar, Colleagues in Calling on State Department To Review Whether U.S. Security Assistance has been Used to Violate Human Rights in Pakistan
Washington D.C. (Nov. 17, 2023) — Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) joined Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Congressman Greg Casar (D-TX) and 9 colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken asking for a prompt review of whether U.S. security assistance to Pakistan has been used to violate human rights, as well to withhold future security assistance to Pakistan until a return to constitutional democracy has been completed, and to send observers to hearings in emblematic human rights cases.
“Pakistan is a long-standing ally of the United States, and we recognize the importance of our relationship for regional stability and counterterrorism efforts,” the Members wrote. “However, we are unable to ignore the persistent reports of human rights abuses including restrictions on freedom of expression, speech, and religion and belief, as well as enforced disappearances, military courts, and harassment and arrest of political opponents and human rights defenders. These violations not only violate the fundamental rights of the Pakistani people but also undermine the principles of democracy, justice, and rule of law.”
“Equally, we remain concerned about the ongoing harassment and arrests of political opponents, including members of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement, and human rights defenders who are charged with bogus cases to trample their right to free speech. Such acts of harassment do not only impact individuals, but deeply traumatize their families. This includes the former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is reportedly facing the death penalty,” they added.
A copy this letter can be found HERE.
This letter was also signed by Representatives Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Andre Carson (IN-07), Ted Lieu (CA-36), James McGovern (MA-02), Dina Titus (NV-01) and Lloyd Doggett (TX-37).
This year has seen a significant and tragic backsliding in the situation of human rights in Pakistan. There have been persistent reports of human rights abuses including restrictions on freedom of expression, speech, and religion and belief, as well as enforced disappearances, military courts, and harassment and arrest of political opponents and human rights defenders.