US lawmakers advocate for religious freedom sanctions against Pakistan's government

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission meeting on July 16, 2025, spotlighted the escalating political repression in Pakistan, with a strong call for action from U.S. lawmakers. Key discussions centered on the urgent need for the U.S. government to address human rights violations in Pakistan, particularly the detention of political figures like Imran Khan and his wife.

During the meeting, representatives emphasized the detrimental impact of Pakistan's alliance with the U.S. in the Afghanistan conflict, suggesting it has led to a loss of credibility among the Muslim community and increased terrorism challenges within Pakistan. The testimonies presented were described as a "wake-up call" for Congress, urging a more robust response to the ongoing repression.

The Commission plans to draft a letter to Pakistani leadership, advocating for the release of political prisoners and highlighting the testimonies as critical evidence of the human rights crisis. The discussions also referenced the tragic assassinations of prominent figures advocating for religious pluralism, underscoring the severe risks faced by those who challenge the status quo in Pakistan.

Lawmakers expressed a commitment to leverage sanctions as a tool to combat these human rights abuses, stressing the importance of holding the Pakistani government accountable. The meeting concluded with a pledge to ensure that any future dialogues with Pakistani officials include firm discussions on human rights, reinforcing the U.S. stance against political repression and transnational terrorism.