US Lawmakers Show Support for PTI Protesters Amid Violent Crackdown in Islamabad

In the aftermath of a violent protest led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad, several US lawmakers have expressed their solidarity with PTI supporters who gathered to demand the immediate release of party leader Imran Khan.

On social media platform X, US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib voiced her concerns, saying, “The brutal repression of protesters in Pakistan and escalating political violence is an attempt to suppress democracy and human rights.

I stand with the courageous Pakistanis demanding change.

PTI protesters sought to secure Imran Khan’s release but clashed violently, killing at least four Rangers personnel and several police officers, while PTI claimed that police martyred eight of its supporters.

The demonstration followed months of the party’s efforts to secure Khan’s release from Adiala Jail, where he has been imprisoned for over a year.

Despite the violent clashes, PTI announced it would call off its “do-or-die” protest after law enforcement agencies (LEAs) used force to disperse the crowd.

Congressman Greg Casar also condemned the crackdown, urging the government to allow peaceful protests to continue.

Thousands of Pakistanis are protesting for democracy and facing violent repression in response.

He condemned the violence and called for the protests to proceed peacefully, posting on social media.

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Representatives Barbara Lee and Summer Lee echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest and freedom of speech.

“I stand with the pro-democracy advocates in Pakistan,” said Barbara Lee, while Summer Lee praised the bravery of the protesters and condemned the violent suppression of their rights.

Congressman Brad Sherman, who had previously advocated for Imran Khan’s release in a letter to President Biden, also expressed his support.

He stated that PTI supporters had the right to demonstrate peacefully, condemning the government’s use of force to suppress the protest.

The US State Department has also weighed in, calling for restraint from both sides and urging Pakistan to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms during such demonstrations.

In a related development, Amnesty International condemned the use of “unlawful and excessive force” by LEAs against PTI protesters, including the use of live ammunition, tear gas, and rubber bullets.

The rights group reminded the Pakistani authorities of their obligations under international law to respect the rights of peaceful protesters and to ensure accountability for any unlawful use of force.

Amnesty also highlighted severe restrictions on assembly, movement, and communication, as well as the arbitrary detention of protesters across Pakistan, urging the government to protect the right to peaceful assembly and to release those detained solely for exercising this right.

This protest and the subsequent reactions from international lawmakers and human rights organizations underscore the growing concern over political violence and the suppression of democratic freedoms in Pakistan.