US-Pakistan Relations: Relations between the US and Pakistan are once again in international debate. 11 members of the US Congress have written to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken demanding that military aid to Pakistan be halted until fair elections are held through a democratic process and a permanent government is restored. Currently there is a caretaker government in Pakistan. Ilhana Umar, who is considered close to former PM Imran Khan, is also among the MPs who are demanding sanctions against Pakistan.
American lawmakers have also objected to Pakistan’s crackdown on minority atrocities and tough anti-blasphemy laws. He also mentioned the attack on the Catholic Church in Pakistan. It is known that general elections are going to be held in Pakistan soon. Currently, there is a caretaker government led by Anwar-ul-Haq Kakkar. Pakistan is likely to hold general elections in February next year. In view of the elections, former PM Nawaz Sharif has also reached London from Pakistan. At the same time, Imran Khan is serving a 3-year jail sentence in the Toshakha case.
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American lawmakers are upset with Pakistan
US lawmakers said that under Section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act, the State Department must investigate whether American aid is being misused. Apart from this, to what extent this aid is used in human rights violations. US lawmakers leahy law There is a demand to use The Leahy Act monitors US cooperation with foreign security forces to determine whether foreign troops are using them to commit human rights violations such as torture, mass killings, enforced disappearances, and rape. He demanded that free elections should be held in Pakistan in which all parties could participate.
Imran’s close friend Ilhan Umar is also included
American lawmakers have expressed dismay at the Pakistani government’s decision to strengthen blasphemy laws. It is known that Omar’s image is that of a fundamentalist Muslim. About a dozen Congress members, including Ilhan, have also called for restoration of the constitutional order and changes to the blasphemy law.
Strong objection to blasphemy laws
MPs say Pakistan’s blasphemy law has strict provisions to persecute religious minorities. He has strongly opposed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2023 passed in Pakistan. The law of defamation also comes under this. It has also been used against minorities in the past. The bill has not yet been signed by the President. The letter mentions the August 16 incident in which a mob also set fire to a church. Apart from this, people of Shia community in Gilgit Baltistan have also opposed this bill.
The MPs said that if the bill becomes law, religious freedom will end in Pakistan. Let us tell you that these MPs mostly belong to the Progressive Group who are also raising the issue of Palestine and are currently demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. A report said that the Pakistan government had also used the blasphemy law against Imran Khan.
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Tags: America, America News, Pakistan news
First published: November 19, 2023, 16:40 IST