- Rashida Tlaib condemned the “brutal repression of the protesters”.
- Barbara expresses solidarity with Lee. Supporters of democracy
- Brad Sherman emphasized the right of Khan’s supporters to protest.
A number of US lawmakers, along with Amnesty International, have expressed support for protesters who have been protesting the violence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists in Islamabad demanding the release of the party’s founding chairman Imran Khan. I participated.
The brutal repression of protesters and increasing political violence in Pakistan is an attempt to suppress democracy and human rights. [….] I stand with the brave Pakistanis who are rising up and protesting for change,” US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said in a post on X – Twitter first.
The statement came in the wake of PTI’s “Do or Die” protest, which was called off by the party following a crackdown by law enforcement agencies (LEAs), which resulted in several police personnel being killed. At least four Rangers personnel were martyred. .
The former ruling party also claimed that eight of its workers were martyred during the protest.
The latest protest was part of the PTI’s months-long push for the release of Khan, who has been behind bars in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail in various cases for over a year.
The party has, for quite some time, reportedly been lobbying in Washington to garner support and secure the release of the former prime minister.
Reacting to the latest political crisis in Islamabad, Congressman Greg Keyser condemned the violence and opined that the demonstration should be allowed to continue.
“Thousands of Pakistanis are protesting for democracy and are facing violent repression. I am hearing reports that the government is using direct fire and tear gas against the protesters. [….] I condemn this violence and urge the government to allow these protests to continue peacefully,” he said in a social media post.
Meanwhile, Representative Barbara Lee emphasized freedom of expression and peaceful protest and said: “I stand with the supporters of democracy in Pakistan as they fight for justice and human rights.”
His comments were echoed by fellow representative Summer Lee who said: “I am inspired by the bravery shown by the people of Pakistan in protesting for electoral integrity and judicial fairness.”
“I condemn any violent suppression of them exercising their fundamental rights. Everyone deserves to speak and demand democracy,” the lawmaker added.
Additionally, Congressman Brad Sherman recalled his role in a letter from 60 US lawmakers to US President Joe Biden on October 23 calling for Khan’s release, saying that supporters of the PTI founder had been protesting peacefully. Right to do.
Reacting to the events in Islamabad, former US ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad demanded the immediate start of the reconciliation process.
“This is not the way to enforce law and order,” Khalilzad said, apparently referring to LEAs’ crackdown on protesters.
This is not the first time that US lawmakers have directly or indirectly reacted to Pakistan’s internal political situation.
The recent protests even confirmed the reaction of the US State Department spokesperson who had earlier urged Islamabad to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and called for restraint on both sides.
Earlier this month, 46 members of the US Congress wrote to President Biden to advocate for the immediate release of the PTI founder – This is the second time US lawmakers have reached out to the president on the issue.
‘Unlawful, excessive use of force’
Meanwhile, according to statements by US lawmakers, Amnesty International said the LEA “used unlawful and excessive force against PTI protesters, including tear gas, live ammunition and rubber bullets.” “.
The rights group reminded Islamabad of its responsibility to provide a conducive environment for protesters, saying, “Even if protests turn non-peaceful, authorities must respect and ensure protesters’ rights to life and freedom from violence and other ill-treatment.” It should be made.” Under international human rights law.
Calling for strict restrictions on assembly, movement and mobile and internet services, as well as the arbitrary detention of thousands of protesters across the country, he urged the authorities to take all necessary measures to prevent arbitrary deprivation of life. and ensure effective accountability for any unlawful use of force. .
“Amnesty urges the government to ensure that the right to freedom of peaceful assembly is respected and protected. Those detained for exercising the right to peaceful assembly should be released immediately. “