Dear Chair Rogers and Ranking Member Smith,

As an American citizen, I am calling on you to stand up for democracy and human rights by including the Pakistan Democracy Act, H.R. 2311, in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act. This critical piece of bipartisan legislation, introduced by Representatives Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), seeks to hold Pakistan’s military leadership, especially shadow dictator and army chief Asim Munir, accountable for their ongoing persecution of political opponents, including the wrongful imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Using the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, this bill would seek to impose targeted sanctions on General Munir, the architect of the military’s campaign of repression, and other Pakistani military officials who have engaged in these unjust actions, including visa bans and denial of entry to the United States. By doing so, it aims to send a clear message that the United States will not stand by while democratic principles and human rights are trampled upon by authoritarian military rule.

The Pakistan Democracy Act allows for the lifting of sanctions only if military rule in Pakistan ends, a civilian-led democracy is restored, and all wrongfully detained political prisoners are released. This is a crucial step toward ensuring that democracy is not only restored but also protected from future abuse.

The unchecked power of the Pakistani military has led to severe human rights abuses, suppression of dissent, and the silencing of independent journalists. It is essential that the United States uses its influence to promote democracy, justice, and freedom for all and does not support a dictatorship for geopolitical ends.

We urge you to ensure that the Pakistan Democracy Act passes Congress by incorporating it into the NDAA that is currently being formed by your Armed Services Committee — making it clear that the United States will not support regimes that undermine democracy and oppress their citizens. Please, take action swiftly.