Two US legislators have introduced a bipartisan law proposal in the House of Representatives seeking sanctions against Pakistani state officials over alleged human rights violations, including “persecution” by former prime minister Imran Khan, according to US media.

The bill entitled The Pakistan Democracy Act was introduced by Republican Congress Member Joe Wilson of South Carolina and Democratic Congress Member Jimmy Panetta of California. It has been referred to the house’s foreign affairs and justice committees for review.

The proposed legislation requires sanctions to be imposed on Pakistan’s army chief within 180 days if the country does not take steps to improve its human rights situation.

The bill aims to invoke the US Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which allows the United States to refuse Visa and entry to people accused of committing human rights violations.

It also requires the US government to identify and sanctions individuals who are allegedly involved in the suppression of political opposition in Pakistan.

The president was given the authority to lift the sanctions if Pakistan finishes military interference with civilian governance and releases all “unlawfully withheld politically imprisoned.”

Sabering the draft of the bill reflects the sustained efforts of PTI supporters in the United States, who have been active in the lobby of US lawmakers since Imran Khan was removed from power in 2022.

Over the past three years, activists have continued to organize competitions, cooperate with members of Congress and advocate for greater US involvement in Pakistan’s political development.

Back in June 2024, the US Representative House adopted a similar resolution with strong Bipartisan support – 98 percent vote in favor of its advantage.

This decision called on the then President Joe Biden to encourage Pakistan to protect democratic values ​​and the rule of law. Despite this, the Biden administration refrains from taking any action.