Van Hollen Raises Serious Concerns with Human Rights Conditions in Pakistan, Calls for Senate Hearing to Consider U.S. Response

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote to Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, to express his serious concerns over the Pakistani government’s worsening repression of human rights and democratic backsliding. In his letter, the Senator highlighted the use of restrictive laws to suppress freedom of expression and political dissent, along with arbitrary, politically motivated arrests and prosecutions – including that of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his supporters. He stressed that these actions risk harming U.S.-Pakistan relations and announced his intention to request a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing to consider U.S. policy responses. Senator Van Hollen urged the Pakistani Embassy to engage constructively with the U.S. regarding these concerns, warning that Congress may take further action if they continue to go unaddressed.

“As you know, I have long supported stronger ties between the people of the United States and the people of Pakistan. It is this shared commitment that moves me to write now and express my deep concern over the Pakistani government’s escalating crackdown on human rights, freedom of expression, and political dissent,” Senator Van Hollen began.

“Pakistani authorities continue to use repressive laws to silence dissent. Journalists, activists, and political opponents face arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance, and prosecution for peaceful expression,” he wrote. “These troubling trends are further illustrated by the case of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned on charges widely viewed as politically motivated. In addition, scores of his supporters and members of his party – including a former Pakistani president – have been charged or convicted, with many receiving lengthy sentences in connection to the May 9, 2023 protests. These include over 100 individuals, among them sitting parliamentarians.”

Noting growing concern in Congress over the worsening human rights situation in Pakistan, the Senator added, “In March, a bipartisan group of members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the Pakistan Democracy Restoration Act, calling for targeted sanctions aimed at restoring democratic governance. Additionally, in June 2024, the House of Representatives voted 368–7 to urge a full and independent investigation into claims of electoral interference and repression during Pakistan’s February 2024 elections.

“These developments underscore bipartisan concern that such repressive measures—arbitrary detentions, judicial manipulation, media suppression, and restrictions on basic freedoms—are undermining democratic institutions and eroding mutual trust between our nations. In light of this, I intend to request that the relevant Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hold a hearing to examine these issues and consider appropriate policy responses,” he continued.

“I urge the Embassy to engage constructively on these matters. Our shared interests depend on Pakistan’s adherence to democratic values and respect for fundamental rights. I remain committed to dialogue, but stronger actions by the U.S. Congress will be necessary if these troubling trends continue,” the Senator concluded.

A copy of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Ambassador Sheikh,

As you know, I have long supported stronger ties between the people of the United States and the people of Pakistan. It is this shared commitment that moves me to write now and express my deep concern over the Pakistani government’s escalating crackdown on human rights, freedom of expression, and political dissent.

Pakistani authorities continue to use repressive laws to silence dissent. Journalists, activists, and political opponents face arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance, and prosecution for peaceful expression. According to Amnesty International’s most recent annual report, authorities have used laws and digital technology to restrict freedom of expression and clamped down on protests and assemblies through restrictive laws, arbitrary restrictions, and unlawful use of force. The amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act has drawn concern for criminalizing vague offenses like “fake” news, giving authorities broad powers to target critics, stifle journalism, and suppress dissent. Meanwhile, civil society groups face mounting pressure, with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan warning of a deliberate campaign to shrink civic space through onerous restrictions on funding, registration, and operations.

These troubling trends are further illustrated by the case of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned on charges widely viewed as politically motivated. In addition, scores of his supporters and members of his party – including a former Pakistani president – have been charged or convicted, with many receiving lengthy sentences in connection to the May 9, 2023 protests. These include over 100 individuals, among them sitting parliamentarians.

Pakistan’s democratic backsliding has drawn growing bipartisan concern in the U.S. Congress. In July, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission convened a bipartisan hearing titled “Pakistan: Ongoing Political Repression,” where members heard testimony about how journalists have been harassed, abducted, or forced into silence; social media bans and internet shutdowns are routinely used to choke dissent; and opposition leaders continue to be prosecuted under ambiguous laws. In March, a bipartisan group of members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the Pakistan Democracy Restoration Act, calling for targeted sanctions aimed at restoring democratic governance. Additionally, in June 2024, the House of Representatives voted 368–7 to urge a full and independent investigation into claims of electoral interference and repression during Pakistan’s February 2024 elections.

These developments underscore bipartisan concern that such repressive measures—arbitrary detentions, judicial manipulation, media suppression, and restrictions on basic freedoms—are undermining democratic institutions and eroding mutual trust between our nations. In light of this, I intend to request that the relevant Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hold a hearing to examine these issues and consider appropriate policy responses.

I urge the Embassy to engage constructively on these matters. Our shared interests depend on Pakistan’s adherence to democratic values and respect for fundamental rights. I remain committed to dialogue, but stronger actions by the U.S. Congress will be necessary if these troubling trends continue.

Sincerely,