US Lawmakers Propose Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act

WASHINGTON, Sept 15: In a rare bipartisan move, US lawmakers have introduced the Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act (H.R. 5271), seeking to impose sanctions on Pakistani officials deemed responsible for human rights violations and actions that undermine democracy.

The bill was unveiled by Bill Huizenga, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on South and Central Asia and a Republican from Michigan. It is co-led by Democrat Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California, alongside John Moolenaar (Republican), Julie Johnson (Democrat), and Jefferson Shreve (Republican).

Additional cosponsors include Rich McCormick, Jack Bergman, Joaquin Castro, and Mike Lawler, reflecting support from both Republicans and Democrats.

The legislation signals Washington’s growing concerns about Pakistan’s democratic trajectory and human rights record, potentially reshaping the tenor of US-Pakistan relations if passed into law.