US lawmakers have introduced new legislation authorising sanctions on Pakistani officials accused of human rights violations and undermining democracy.
The Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act (H.R. 5271), introduced on Monday, would empower the US President to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The measures would target current or former senior officials of Pakistan’s government, military, or security forces found responsible for abuses or corruption.
The bipartisan initiative was announced by Bill Huizenga, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on South and Central Asia and Republican representative from Michigan, and co-led by Democrat Sydney Kamlager-Dove from California. Other sponsors include John Moolenaar (Republican), Julie Johnson (Democrat), Jefferson Shreve (Republican), Rich McCormick (Republican), Jack Bergman (Republican), Joaquin Castro (Democrat), and Mike Lawler (Republican).
Lawmakers said the bill also reaffirms Washington’s support for free and fair elections in Pakistan and underscores the importance of upholding democratic institutions and human rights.
It builds on House Resolution 901, passed in June 2024 with strong bipartisan support, which urged the Biden administration to engage with Islamabad to safeguard democracy, rule of law and freedom of speech.
“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,” Congressman Huizenga said.
He described the bill as “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.”
Democrat co-sponsor Sydney Kamlager-Dove said: “At a time of democratic backsliding and global unrest, the US must defend these values at home and abroad, and hold those who undermine them accountable.”
Julie Johnson, a Democrat from Texas, added: “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.”