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US Congress to Examine Political Repression, Media Clampdown in Pakistan
US Congress’ Tom Lantos Commission to hold hearing on Pakistan’s political repression, crackdown on media & arbitrary detention of Imran Khan. Testimonies by @sayedzbukhari, Amnesty & others.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-14
US Congress to Examine Political Repression, Media Clampdown in Pakistan

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan body of the United States Congress, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday (Wednesday 12:30am PKT) to investigate allegations of political repression, curbs on free expression, and electoral irregularities in Pakistan.

According to the commission’s official notice, the hearing will “examine the government of Pakistan’s persecution of opposition political figures and journalists, and its actions to control media communications and prevent free and fair elections.”

Background of the Hearing

The commission, created in 2008 to promote international human rights in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, said the current phase of repression in Pakistan began in 2022 following the ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a move allegedly backed by the country’s military establishment.

Khan, who has remained incarcerated since August 2023, is currently serving a sentence in the £190 million corruption case, while also facing terrorism-related charges stemming from the May 9, 2023 protests.

The commission’s notice referenced the US State Department’s 2024 election review, which highlighted "undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly" as well as electoral violence and suppression of fundamental rights.

Witnesses and Topics

The hearing will be chaired by Republican Congressman Christopher Smith, with participation from his co-chair, Democratic Congressman James McGovern.

Confirmed witnesses include:

·       Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, close aide to Imran Khan

·       Ben Linden, Advocacy Director, Amnesty International (Europe & Central Asia)

·       Jared Genser, Managing Director, Perseus Strategies

·       Sadiq Amini, Founder, Afghanistan Impact Network

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bukhari confirmed his appearance:

“I will be highlighting the arbitrary detention of Imran Khan, his wife, and other political prisoners, as well as the erosion of democracy, the undermining of the rule of law, and escalating crackdowns on freedom of expression in Pakistan.”

Jared Genser replied:

“I am honoured and grateful to be able to testify alongside you… on Pakistan, human rights and the situation of Imran Khan and all political prisoners.”

Media and Civil Society Under Threat

The hearing comes as international watchdogs express growing concern over Pakistan’s deteriorating democratic norms.

A 2025 report by Freedom Network, titled “Free Speech and Public Interest Journalism Under Siege”, outlines how recent amendments to Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) have expanded the government’s ability to target journalists and critics through arrests and fines.

Simultaneously, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) reported it had faced "arbitrary, illegal, and unjustified" actions that hinder its operations, signalling shrinking civic space for rights advocacy.

Implications

This session could shape future US policy and aid conditions tied to democratic and human rights benchmarks in Pakistan. Congressman Smith emphasized that the hearing would assess Washington’s response and present recommendations for congressional action.

The hearing is open to the media and public, signaling a clear message from the US legislature about its increasing scrutiny of Pakistan’s human rights landscape.
Tagged:

Pakistan

ImranKhan

HumanRights

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