Zulfi Bukhari to Expose Pakistan Human Rights Abuses in Landmark US Congressional Testimony

PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari recently testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US Congress on July 15, addressing serious allegations of political repression and human rights violations in Pakistan.

Key Highlights of the Testimony

Bukhari, a close aide to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, used this platform to shed light on several critical issues. He specifically highlighted Imran Khan’s arrest and the subsequent detention of his wife and other political figures, citing an overall “erosion of democracy” in Pakistan. The hearing, open to the public and media, focused on the treatment of political opponents and journalists, aiming to assess actions that allegedly restricted free media and hindered fair elections in the country.

Other Speakers and Context

Other prominent speakers at the session included Ben Linden from Amnesty International, Jared Genser from Perseus Strategies, and Sadiq Amini of the Afghanistan Impact Network. The session was chaired by Congressman Christopher Smith, a leading advocate for human rights.

This testimony comes amidst growing international concern, with the US State Department having already raised alarms over Pakistan’s February 2024 elections, which they described as being marred by violence and suppression. Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 on corruption charges and also faces multiple terrorism-related charges linked to the May 9 protests. Various rights groups have strongly condemned the government’s actions as undemocratic.

Increasing Concerns Over Civil Liberties

Further reports from organizations like Freedom Network and HRCP (Human Rights Commission of Pakistan) have warned of severe threats to press freedom and civil liberties. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), amended in January 2025, is reportedly making it easier to target journalists and dissidents. HRCP has also noted that human rights advocacy in Pakistan is under increasing pressure, describing the situation as deeply concerning