News Desk
Over 65 US Congress Members Urge Blinken to Push for Democracy, Human Rights in Pakistan
WASHINGTON, DC: The Pakistani-American Political Action Committee (PAKPAC), a leading advocate for good governance and democracy in Pakistan, has commended the 66 Members of the US Congress who sent a powerful message to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on human rights and democratic backsliding in Pakistan.
This letter coauthored by Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), urged the Secretary to prioritize the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights in Pakistan. The letter, according to Pakistani-American Political Action Committee (PAKPAC), comes at a critical moment – sent to Secretary Blinken merely days after ‘the government of Pakistan arrested former Prime Minister along with thousands of his supporters, throwing the nation into chaos and bringing out millions to the streets in protest’.
“This alarming turn of events has sparked immense concern amongst the Pakistani-American community and amplified the urgency for immediate action to protect democratic institutions, independence of judiciary, freedom of press and human rights in Pakistan,” PAKPAC said on twitter on Thursday.
President of the PAKPAC National Board, Asad Malik emphasized the importance of bipartisanship during this challenging time for Pakistani democracy, stating, “At this critical juncture, with the foundations of democracy in Pakistan under threat, it is heartening to see members of both parties uniting to express their deep concern and stand up for the principles we hold dear. The bipartisan support for this letter demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our elected officials to upholding democracy and human rights, regardless of our political differences.”
The letter sent to Secretary Blinken underscores the need for the US to push Pakistan to curb democratic backsliding while also advocating for robust measures to protect human rights, freedom of speech, press freedom, and the rule of law, said the PAKPAC as it commended the Members of Congress who have shown exceptional leadership and dedication to democracy and human rights by signing the letter. “Their commitment to safeguarding democracy and human rights in Pakistan is a testament to the power of collective action.”
Over the past three weeks, PAKPAC said, it helped more than 2,000 Pakistani-Americans write to their members of Congress, encouraging them to sign onto the letter and push the Secretary of State to hold the government of Pakistan accountable on democracy and human rights. “This grassroots organizing within the Pakistani American community demonstrates this group’s growing political power and its increased ability to make its voice heard on the Hill through civic advocacy.”
“As PAKPAC, along with our community, stands united in this pursuit of justice and democratic values, we call upon Secretary Blinken and the US government to lend their unwavering support to ensure a prosperous and democratic future for Pakistan,” said the PAKPAC.
About PAKPAC
The Pakistani-American Political Action Committee was founded in 1989 by a group of Pakistani Americans. In an increasingly complex world, the founders saw a need for greater political coordination, activism and advocacy.
