“The 2024 elections — widely condemned for irregularities and documented in the Pattan Report, an independent Pakistani civil society study monitoring election irregularities — installed a pliant civilian facade. The US State Department echoed these concerns, publicly expressing alarm over reported irregularities and calling for a full investigation into the electoral process. These developments are emblematic of a broader authoritarian crackdown,” the letter read.

Furthermore, the congressional group also pressed for the release of political prisoners, naming former Prime Minister Imran Khan and others held in detention. They argue that sanctions targeted at officials “credibly perpetrating systematic repression, transnational repression, and undermining judicial independence” would both protect Americans abroad and reaffirm US support for human rights and the rule of law.

“We urge the Administration to swiftly impose measures, such as visa bans and asset freezes, against officials credibly perpetrating systematic repression, transnational repression, and undermining judicial independence. Such steps, alongside calls for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other political prisoners, would reinforce US commitment to human rights, protect American citizens from transnational repression, and promote regional stability,” the letter concluded.