Washington, D.C., [USA], March 25 (ANI): A bill with support from both parties was presented in the
US Congress
on Monday aiming to enforce
sanctions
on
Pakistan
‘s Army chief, General
Asim Munir
, due to his purported involvement in harassing political adversaries, such as previous individuals.
Pakistan
Prime Minister
Imran Khan
, The Hill reported.

The bill, named ”
Pakistan
The “Democracy Act” was proposed by Representatives.
Joe Wilson
(R-S.C.) and
Jimmy Panetta
(D-Calf.) and demands focused
sanctions
Under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

The legislation requires the U.S. government to pinpoint those engaged in political repression within 180 days.
Pakistan
and impose penalties, including visa bans and restrictions on entry into the United States. It explicitly accuses Munir of “knowingly engaging in the wrongful persecution and imprisonment of political opponents” and urges similar action against others complicit in the crackdown.

Wilson has openly expressed his position regarding Khan’s detention, characterizing it as politically driven. “Mr. Khan undoubtedly qualifies as a political prisoner,” Wilson stated to The Hill, reaffirming that he had encouraged the U.S. government to apply pressure.
Pakistan
‘military leadership via visa restrictions and alternative methods to reinstate
democracy
and ensure Khan’s release. The legislation permits the removal of
sanctions
if
Pakistan
ends
military rule
, restores civilian-led
democracy
, and frees all imprisoned political figures.

In 2022, Khan lost his position following a no-confidence motion, and he was apprehended again in August 2023 due to allegations of corruption. His followers contend that these accusations are driven by political motives and manipulated by the military as a means to stop him from regaining control. Numerous lawmakers across both significant U.S. parties have consistently demanded his liberation, among them being Representatives Greg Casar (D-TX), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Jack Bergman (R-MI).

Richard Grenell, a former Trump administration official, has shown backing for Khan. In December, he shared on the social media site X: “Watch
Pakistan
His leader, who resembles Trump, is behind bars on trumped-up charges, while the public has been motivated by the US Red Wave movement. Put an end to politically-motivated trials globally!” This post garnered more than 12 million views and was extensively shared among Khan’s followers.

Earlier this month, during a joint speech to Congress, President Trump expressed his gratitude to the
Pakistan
I commend the government for assisting with the apprehension of an ISIS member associated with the 2021 Kabul airport incident. Last week, U.S. State Department representative Tammy Bruce refrained from commenting on Khan’s case, saying that the administration abstains from involvement in matters within other nations’ jurisdictions, as noted by The Hill.

Husain Haqqani, a former
Pakistan
The U.S. ambassador and a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute expressed doubt about substantial actions being taken by Washington. “It is improbable that”
sanctions
would be imposed on
Pakistan
“Just to ensure the freeing of an anti-American yet popular politician,” Haqqani stated, referring to Khan’s previous statements criticizing US policies.

Following his dismissal, Khan frequently charged Washington with conspiring to remove him from power, allegedly working alongside.
Pakistan
Then, during his time in opposition, he asserted that the U.S. sought his ouster because of his autonomous foreign policies and his resistance to American dominance. His political gatherings featured chants with anti-American sentiments, casting his departure as an assault on sovereignty.
Pakistan
‘s sovereignty. The Biden administration has denied any involvement.

Wilson recognized his divergences from Khan’s perspectives yet contended that such political discrepancies ought to be handled through democratic means. “However, these political disparities should be resolved via voting,” he stated.

Michael Kugelman, who directs the South Asia program at the Wilson Center, likewise played down the probability of
sanctions
Noting the irony within Khan’s support base, he highlighted how they criticize the U.S. for his removal yet simultaneously plead for American assistance. “To many Washington insiders, there is an inherent paradox in these calls,” he stated. He emphasized that although Khan’s backers claim their stance is against external meddling, this very argument carries political weight, according to analyses from The Hill.

Haqqani proposed that the lawmakers’ initiative was largely driven by domestic political considerations rather than genuine concerns.
Pakistan
“Many members of Congress are not familiar with Khan’s history. Some have incorrectly referred to him as a friend of the United States, despite his never having made such claims,” he stated. (ANI)