US lawmakers ask Blinken to play role in Pakistan

Letter urges state secretary to ensure democracy, human rights, and rule of law in the country

ISLAMABAD:

A bipartisan group of 66 US congressmen have asked Secretary of State Antony Blinken to play his role in the ongoing Pakistani situation to ensure democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the country.

In a letter to Secretary Blinken, the lawmakers – both Democrats and Republicans – expressed their concern that over the past several months, there were blanket bans on demonstrations in Pakistan and deaths of several prominent critics of the government.

“We write to express our concerns about the current situation in Pakistan and urge you to use all diplomatic tools at your disposal to pressure the government of Pakistan towards a greater commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” said the letter.

“We ask for your help pressuring the government of Pakistan to ensure protestors can assert their demands in a peaceful and non-violent way, free from harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detention,” it added.

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As both Democrats and Republicans, the lawmakers stressed, they cared about the US-Pakistan relationship but they were concerned that violence and increased political tension could spiral into a deteriorating security situation in Pakistan.

“We now urge you to use all diplomatic tools – including calls, visits, and public statements – to demonstrate US interest and prevent the erosion of democratic institutions in Pakistan,” the congressmen wrote.

“This should include a commitment to investigate any infringement upon freedom of speech and freedom of assembly in Pakistan,” they further wrote. “Supporting democracy in Pakistan is in the national interest of the United States.”

The letter emphasised that in the current “critical moment”, the US diplomatic leadership was necessary to prevent further erosion of democratic protections. The assured Blinken of support for its efforts for addressing this situation.

As supporters of a strong bilateral US-Pakistan relationship, the US lawmakers commended Blinken’s “sustained focus on Pakistan” and his efforts for providing humanitarian assistance following last year’s devastating floods.