Islamabad (TDI): Islamabad has dismissed a bill introduced in the United States Congress targeting Pakistan, calling it an isolated act that does not represent the overall state of bilateral ties.
“We are aware of the bill introduced in the US Congress. It reflects the opinion of an individual and not the broader US-Pakistan relations,” Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said during a weekly media briefing on Thursday.
He expressed hope that the US legislature would take measures to strengthen ties between the two nations, despite the bill.
He also criticized recent US sanctions on Pakistani commercial entities, calling them unilateral and without evidence.
Commenting on the issue of Pakistani journalists allegedly travelling to Israel, Khan reiterated that Pakistani passport holders are legally barred from visiting to Israel.
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“There has been no change in Islamabad’s policy,” he added, clarifying that any such trips were made by dual citizens.
On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the spokesperson welcomed the recent ceasefire deal, expressing optimism it would lead to enduring peace.
He said that Pakistan maintains good ties with both nations and consistently advocates for dialogue.
Regarding recent diplomatic engagements, Khan said that Sadiq Khan’s trip to Kabul included high-level discussions on cross-border issues, including railway connections and border infrastructure.
Earlier, two US legislators introduced a bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives seeking sanctions against Pakistani state officials over alleged human rights violations, including the “persecution” of former prime minister Imran Khan.
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The bill, titled the Pakistan Democracy Act, was introduced by Democratic Congressman Jimmy Panetta of California and Republican Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina.
It has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees for review.
The bill aims to invoke the US Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which permits the United States to deny visas and entry to people accused of committing human rights violations.
It also directs the Trump administration to identify and sanction people allegedly involved in the suppression of political opposition in Pakistan.
