Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act
This bill, the Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act, would authorize the United States to identify Pakistani officials or former officials in the government, military, or security services who are responsible for gross human rights violations or for undermining democracy in Pakistan. Based on that designation, the President could impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (e.g., visa bans, asset freezes, and other targeted measures). The President would deliver a report within 180 days listing those individuals and any entities owned or controlled by them, with the report potentially transmitted in classified form. The bill emphasizes safeguarding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Pakistan, while allowing certain exceptions for humanitarian aid, international obligations, and national security activities. It sunsets on September 30, 2030. The measure designates the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee as the appropriate committees for consideration.
Key Points
- 1Short title: The act may be cited as the “Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act.”
- 2Findings: Congress acknowledges Pakistan as a key partner and notes ongoing concerns about military influence, constraints on freedoms, and past human rights issues, while recognizing recent elections and civil society efforts.
- 3Policy statement: Promotes democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Pakistan; urges stronger U.S. engagement to uphold democratic guarantees and to oppose efforts to suppress participation in democracy.
- 4Sanctions mechanism: Within 180 days after enactment, the President must submit a report naming senior Pakistani officials or former officials (and any entities they own or control) who are responsible for gross human rights violations or for undermining democracy.
- 5Sanctions authority: The President may apply any or all sanctions authorized under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against those identified, with specified exemptions.
- 6Exceptions to sanctions:
- 7- No sanctions if admission of a person to the U.S. is necessary to meet international obligations (e.g., UN-related commitments).
- 8- Humanitarian exceptions: no sanctions on activities related to humanitarian aid, agricultural commodities/food/medicine, or related financial transactions and transportation necessary to deliver humanitarian aid.
- 9- National security/intelligence exceptions: sanctions do not apply to legitimate U.S. intelligence, law enforcement, or national security activities.
- 10Sunset provision: The act terminates on September 30, 2030.
- 11Committees: Defines the “appropriate congressional committees” as the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.