Eleven US lawmakers have called on the Biden administration to withhold future aid to Pakistan until the country enforces constitutional order and holds free and fair elections. The lawmakers have written a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging a legal determination under the Leahy Laws and Section 502(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act to assess if US-origin security assistance has contributed to human rights violations in Pakistan. They have also raised concerns about Pakistan’s move to strengthen the blasphemy law, warning that it could further persecute religious minorities. The lawmakers highlighted the rapid passing of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and pointed out incidents of religious persecution and protests against the bill. They emphasized the need to prevent future restrictions on freedom of religion and belief.
US Lawmakers Urge Withholding Aid to Pakistan Over Human Rights Violations & Blasphemy Law
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