Two US Congress Members Call for Imran Khan’s Release, Propose Sanctions on Pakistan’s Army Chief

Two US Congress Members Call for Imran Khan’s Release, Propose Sanctions on Pakistan’s Army Chief

Washington, March 25: Two members of the United States Congress, Republican Joe Wilson (S.C.) and Democrat Jimmy Panetta (California), introduced a new bill on Monday titled the “Pakistan Democracy Act.” This bill proposes sanctions against Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, over allegations of political suppression, particularly regarding the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The bill states that General Munir has knowingly suppressed and arrested political opponents. It also calls for sanctions on individuals associated with Pakistan’s military or government for their role in political crackdowns.

If passed, the bill would give the US President the power to impose sanctions within 180 days, restricting entry into the US and denying visas to those involved.

Republican Representative Joe Wilson has long been vocal in advocating for Imran Khan’s release and has repeatedly criticized Pakistan’s military for what he calls the "unjust detention" of Khan. Wilson has also written to former President Donald Trump, urging him to exert pressure on Pakistan’s military leadership.

Wilson stated, “Imran Khan is a political prisoner.”

Many members of Congress support efforts to secure Imran Khan’s release. However, former Pakistani ambassador Husain Haqqani believes that the US will not pressure Pakistan for Khan’s release, as Khan has previously taken an anti-American stance.

Imran Khan was removed from power in 2022 and later claimed that his ouster was part of an "American conspiracy" orchestrated by the US.