Huizenga, Kamlager-Dove Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Curb Human Rights Abuses and Promote Freedom in Pakistan

Today, South and Central Asia Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the introduction of H.R. 5271, the Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act. This bipartisan legislation is co-led by South and Central Asia Subcommittee Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) as well as Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI), Julie Johnson (D-TX), and Jefferson Shreve (R-IN). The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Rich McCormick (R-GA), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), and Mike Lawler (R-NY).

The Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act builds on the work from H.Res. 901, which passed the House last Congress, and was supported by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of members. This bipartisan bill reaffirms the strong U.S. support for democracy, free and fair elections in Pakistan, and the need for the Government of Pakistan to uphold human rights. Importantly, the Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act authorizes the President to impose Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act sanctions on any current or former senior official of the government, military, or security forces of Pakistan who is responsible for gross violations of human rights or violations associated with undermining democracy in Pakistan.

"The United States will not sit idly by as individuals who currently serve or have previously served in Pakistan's government, military, or security forces commit or downplay blatant human rights abuses," said Congressman Bill Huizenga. "The Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act is a bipartisan measure designed to protect the people of Pakistan by holding bad actors accountable and ensuring that neither the democratic process nor free speech is drowned out in Pakistan."

"Promoting democracy and protecting human rights are core tenets of U.S. foreign policy and must remain central to the Administration's engagement in Pakistan," said Ranking Member Kamlager-Dove. "At a time of democratic backsliding and global unrest, the U.S. must defend these values at home and abroad-and hold those who undermine them accountable. I'm proud to join Chair Huizenga in introducing legislation to sanction those who threaten democracy, human rights, and rule of law in Pakistan."

"The bipartisan Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act makes clear that the United States stands firmly with the people of Pakistan in their pursuit of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law," said Congresswoman Julie Johnson (D-TX). "By holding officials accountable when they undermine free and fair elections or commit gross human rights abuses, we send a strong message: those who attack democracy will face consequences, and they will not find impunity on the global stage. Our nation will continue to champion freedom, accountability, and democratic values, because these principles are the foundation of peace and stability around the world."

"This Legislation empowers the people of Pakistan and ensure that human rights, free speech, and democracy violators will be accountable and face appropriate consequences." - Asad Malik, Former President, PAKPAC

"We thank Chairman Huizenga for his bold and principled leadership, which is critical for the national interest of the United States. For too long, the voices of ordinary Pakistanis have been silenced under undeclared military rule, through tactics of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, intimidation, and censorship of media and journalists. H.R.5271 is not just a bill - it demonstrates solidarity with 250 million people. It affirms that the U.S. Congress is listening, and that Pakistani-Americans will not stop fighting until democracy and human rights are restored in Pakistan, including freedom for Prime Minister Imran Khan and all political prisoners." - First Pakistan Global