Pakistan on Human Rights Watchlist
The situation in Pakistan has raised concerns among human rights organizations and experts, with reports of repression, persecution of minorities, and efforts to silence dissidents abroad. The hearing highlights the need for continued scrutiny of Pakistan's human rights record and the importance of international cooperation in promoting democracy and human rights.
The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US Congress will hold a hearing on July 15, 2025, to examine the ongoing repression of political opposition in Pakistan, focusing on actions by the Pakistani government that restrict political freedoms, including the treatment of opposition figures and suppression of independent journalism.
Pakistan's government has a long history of disregarding human rights and democracy, with the military directly governing the country for 33 of its 77 years of independence. The current phase of repression began in 2022 when Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted, arrested, and imprisoned, and his party, PTI, was sharply repressed. The US State Department has noted significant human rights issues in Pakistan, including enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, persecution of minorities, and transnational repression.
The hearing will feature witnesses such as Zulfikar Bukhari, an advisor to Imran Khan, and human rights experts, who will discuss the US response and offer recommendations for Congress. The Commission will assess the implications of these actions for democracy and human rights in Pakistan, citing concerns such as enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, and persecution of minorities. US Congressman Christopher H. Smith suggested that the US Congress may urge President Donald Trump's administration to impose sanctions on countries that suppress religious freedom and violate human rights.
The hearing is open to the public and will be streamed online, allowing for a global audience to engage with the discussion on Pakistan's human rights situation. As the international community continues to monitor the situation, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken to address the concerns raised during the hearing.