WASHINGTON: In a major bipartisan initiative, US lawmakers have introduced the Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act (H.R. 5271). The bill is aimed at imposing sanctions on Pakistani officials who are responsible for human rights abuses and for undermining democracy.
The bill was announced by Bill Huizenga, a Republican and Chairman of the House Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, and was co-led by Democrat leader Sydney Kamlager-Dove. The legislation has several co-sponsors from both Republican and Democratic parties.
The bill authorizes the US President to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. This law allows the U.S. to target individuals responsible for severe human rights violations or corruption. In this case, it would apply to current or former senior officials of Pakistan’s government, military, or security forces.
Details and Background of the Bill The legislation also reaffirms US support for free and fair elections in Pakistan and emphasizes the importance of upholding democratic institutions and human rights. It builds on House Resolution 901 (H.Res. 901), which was passed in June 2024 with overwhelming bipartisan support. That resolution had expressed strong backing for democracy in Pakistan and urged the US administration to engage with the Pakistani government to uphold human rights and the rule of law.
Congressman Huizenga stated that “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.” Ranking Member Kamlager-Dove emphasized that “Promoting democracy and protecting human rights are core tenets of US foreign policy and must remain central to the administration’s engagement in Pakistan.”
Role of the Pakistani Diaspora Pakistani-American advocacy groups have played a central role in promoting both this new bill and the earlier H.Res. 901. Ex-president of the Pakistan-American Public Affairs Committee, Asad Malik, commented that “This legislation empowers the people of Pakistan and ensures that human rights, free speech, and democracy violators will be accountable and face appropriate consequences.”
The bill has been referred to both the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees for review. Observers note that its bipartisan support and alignment with H.Res. 901 increase its likelihood of passing through Congress.
