WASHINGTON: US lawmakers have asked for pledges on Pakistan’s election time-frame, suggesting neutral monitoring to ensure election process is fair and free, while urging Pakistani authorities not to try civilians in military courts.
Brad Sherman and Jim Costa, two Democratic congressmen, organized a briefing on “Human Rights and Democracy in Pakistan” on Wednesday afternoon at the Rayburn building of the US Congress. The discussion centered on four main topics: human rights and democracy; free and fair elections observed by international observers; the significance of a free media and protecting journalists; and the effect of domestic politics on US-Pakistan relations.
Half of about a dozen speakers at the event were members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, meaning they have the ability to influence US foreign policy.
Pakistani authorities were also urged not to try civilians in military courts, as the international community would never endorse it.
Pictures of imprisoned PTI supporter Khadija Shah and missing journalist Imran Riaz were posted on the walls of the room while recordings of alleged police brutality against PTI workers played on a TV monitor.
Congressman Sherman stated in his opening remarks that he was in Pakistan “not to wade into Pakistani politics, but to advocate for democracy and human rights.”
He asserted that while the majority of people detained after May 9 were protesting peacefully, some of them may have been engaged in violent activity. “The crackdown [against them] is aimed at democracy,” he said.
Talking about the “detention and disappearance” of journalists, he said: “Imran Riaz’s captors should at least let his family know where he is.”
Co-sponsor Jim Costa claimed that Pakistan’s brief history had “two constants”: corruption and the establishment’s interference in politics. He urged all stakeholders to “make efforts to end this” arrangement and “bring the changes we all want to see.”
Apart from Mr Sherman and Mr Costa, Dr Asif Mahmood, a Pakistani-American from California who is also a Democrat candidate for Congress, was also among the hosts.