US Congressional Panel to Probe Political Repression in Pakistan
WASHINGTON — The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. Congress will hold a public hearing Tuesday to examine what it describes as a deepening crackdown on political dissent and press freedom in Pakistan, reported by Daily Times.
The bipartisan commission, co-chaired by Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and James McGovern (D-MA), announced the session would spotlight the Pakistani government’s alleged persecution of opposition figures and journalists, its control over media, and the undermining of electoral democracy — especially since the ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022.
Testimony will be offered by Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former aide to Khan. Bukhari confirmed his appearance in a July 9 post on X, thanking the commission for the opportunity to raise international awareness. “I will be highlighting the arbitrary detention of Imran Khan, his wife, and numerous political prisoners, as well as the erosion of democratic institutions and freedom of expression in Pakistan,” he stated.
Other witnesses include Amnesty International’s Ben Linden, human rights attorney Jared Genser, and Sadiq Amini, founder of the Afghanistan Impact Network.
The commission’s hearing notice referenced the February 2024 general elections in Pakistan, citing U.S. State Department concerns over “undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” along with electoral violence and voter suppression.
Khan, Pakistan’s former premier, remains imprisoned on corruption charges following his controversial removal from office in 2022 — a move critics allege was orchestrated by the powerful military establishment. His party, PTI, has since faced widespread arrests, media blackouts, and disqualifications.
Chairman Smith emphasized the hearing aims to assess both Pakistan’s human rights trajectory and potential responses from the U.S. Congress.
The session is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday (12:30 a.m. PKT Wednesday) and will be open to both the public and media.
