WASHINGTON: On Friday night, a prominent member of the Foreign Affairs Committee emphasized the necessity for the US to support democracy rather than the leaders who are more obedient to Washington. This reflected the political turmoil in Pakistan in the US House of Representatives.
On Saturday, Brad Sherman, a well-known Democratic Party lawmaker from California with a record 13 terms in the United States House of Representatives, also shared his speech on his official Twitter account.
He said to the House Speaker, “I would like to address recent events in Pakistan,” bringing up the ongoing political controversy in the US Congress for what appeared to be the first time.
Some might argue that America should support the political candidate who portrays himself as more pro-American and who has proven to be more amenable to us in dealing with this or that bilateral issue when evaluating those events, he continued.
Brad Sherman claims that PM Sharif is easier to negotiate with than Imran.
To read more: UAE issues warning against social media scams
But I think — and I believe the State Department does, too — that our commitment to democracy and the rule of law comes first.
The US representative acknowledged that Mr.Imran Khan was less flexible than some other major politicians in Pakistan. Last year, Mr. Khan accused Washington of toppling his government, but he later withdrew the charge.
“Imran Khan was challenging for us to handle. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, slightly easier.
Beginning in April, Mr. Sherman wrote to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting that he “use all diplomatic channels to urge Pakistani authorities to investigate the alleged violations and to hold accountable anyone who may be responsible.”
In the Pakistani American community, PTI supporters last week claimed to have gathered 92 legislators’ signatures for a letter to Secretary Blinken reiterating the importance of supporting democratic forces in Pakistan. Mr. Sherman maintains close relationships with these individuals.
The US arrangement with the Taliban was brokered by Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, who is also prominent among those pleading with the Pakistani government to carry out the SC’s ruling and organise elections in Punjab.
In his remarks on the House floor, Mr. Sherman also emphasised the significance of doing this. Punjab and then another province should have provincial elections, according to a decision made by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The rule of law is that.
To read more: US and Iran engage in oil tanker standoff amid sanctions dispute
According to what I gather, the Supreme Court has decided that its original ruling is definitive and cannot be appealed. Additionally, the court has mandated that the funds be made available in the amount required to hold those provincial elections.
Mr. Sherman claimed that the Supreme Court ruling served as the impetus for his fervent plea for democracy in Pakistan “America doesn’t support this policy, that approach, or a government that will agree with us on either subject,” the statement reads. America is a nation that upholds democracy and the law, he remarked.
Nothing is more crucial for Pakistan than early, honest, fair elections, as well as the acceptance of the winners as the government, he stated. “National elections in Pakistan are scheduled for August/October.”
