Brad Sherman urged the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to fulfill its responsibility of taking action against individuals who violate human rights.
A prominent U.S. congressman has expressed alarm at the ongoing disregard for human rights and democratic principles in Pakistan, and has called upon the government to safeguard freedom of expression and enforce the rule of law throughout the nation.
Congressman Brad Sherman, a distinguished member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed his worry about the rising occurrences of violence in Pakistan through a tweet.
A leader from the party of the deposed Prime Minister Imran Khan shared a video statement in which Congressman Brad Sherman highlighted the responsibility of the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take action against those who violate human rights.
Sherman, a Democrat who serves as the representative of California’s 32nd congressional district, asserted that he and his colleagues would not shy away from speaking out against any instances of human rights violations.
According to Dawn newspaper, Congressman Sherman had a phone conversation with Imran Khan and also met Asif Mehmood, a Pakistani philanthropist and Democratic candidate running in California’s 40th congressional district against Young Kim.
Standing alongside Mehmood, Sherman stated in a video message that the relationship between the United States and Pakistan can be traced back to the 1940s, and the two nations have collaborated on various global and regional matters throughout the years.
He emphasized that the United States should endorse democracy and uphold human rights not only globally, but also specifically in Pakistan.
Sherman stated that the United States should not intervene in Pakistan’s internal governance affairs concerning its constitutional and democratic process. Nevertheless, he stressed that the U.S. must not hesitate to speak out for human rights and democracy in Pakistan, as well as other regions.
In reference to Khan’s politics, Sherman clarified that he had no intention of endorsing Imran Khan or any political party, and that he disagreed with him on various matters. The congressman, who has served in the foreign affairs committee for 26 years, also emphasized that Pakistan must enable its citizens to voice their opinions and participate in nonviolent demonstrations.
Sherman expressed that he and others aspire to witness a peaceful, well-organized, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan where its people can engage in open and constructive political discussions.
The lawmaker expressed his desire for a peaceful, well-organized, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan, where citizens are at liberty to engage in open political discussions.
Additionally, he stated that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with whom the country has been engaged in negotiations for a long-pending loan program, also desires a stable Pakistan that adheres to the rule of law.
Sherman underscored that Pakistan was encountering various internal and external challenges, pointing out that escalating extremism, intolerance, and opposition were jeopardizing the country’s potential for social harmony.
After the cessation of the ceasefire agreement between the Tehreek-e-Taliban (Pakistan) TTP and the government in November last year, terrorists have intensified their assaults on security personnel, establishments, and even on mosques and markets in various regions of the country. Nonetheless, Karachi has not experienced any significant incidents for some time.
Sherman criticized the state institutions’ incapacity to consistently offer peaceful solutions to address grievances, which has created a void exploited by extremism. Furthermore, he disapproved of the legal cases and media restrictions on former Prime Minister Khan.
Sherman clarified that his intention was not to endorse any political entity or personality in Pakistan, including Imran Khan. In fact, he disagreed with him on various global matters, and it was not his place to intervene in Pakistan’s politics. Instead, he advocated for the protection of freedom of speech, due process, and fair implementation of the rule of law in Pakistan.
He stated that the US Congress was closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan and was prepared to provide any necessary assistance to the government in promoting human rights.
