A bipartisan bill introduced in the US House of Representatives seeks sanctions against Pakistani officials for alleged human rights abuses, including the ‘persecution’ of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. 

The “Pakistan Democracy Act,” sponsored by Republican Representative Joe Wilson and Democrat Jimmy Panetta, calls for sanctions on Pakistan’s army chief within 180 days unless human rights improve. 

The bill, utilizing the Global Magnitsky Act, would deny visas and entry to those implicated.  It also urges the US administration to identify and sanction individuals involved in suppressing political opposition, with the potential for sanctions to be lifted if Pakistan ends military interference in governance and releases political detainees.

The bill reflects ongoing lobbying efforts by supporters of Imran Khan in the US since his 2022 ouster.  A similar resolution passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support in June 2024, but the Biden administration took no action.

Earlier this month, Pakistan had apprehended and handed over Sharifullah, an ISIS-K terrorist involved in the Kabul Airport bombing, to the US. President Donald Trump had thanked Pakistan for “helping arrest this monster.” In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had said that his government would partner ‘closely’ with the Trump administration on security issues.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been in prison since August 2023 in multiple cases including corruption, illegal marriage and violation of the Official Secrets Act.