Pakistan Democracy Act: Sanctions Loom for General Asim Munir Amid Political Crisis

A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the US seeking to sanction Pakistan's Army chief, General Asim Munir, for persecuting political opponents and the release of detainees including Imran Khan. The bill, spearheaded by representatives Joe Wilson and Jimmy Panetta, aims to restore civilian-led democracy in Pakistan.

A new bipartisan initiative dubbed the 'Pakistan Democracy Act' has emerged in the U.S. Congress, targeting General Asim Munir, Pakistan's Army Chief, with potential sanctions for allegedly persecuting political adversaries.

Republican Joe Wilson and Democrat Jimmy Panetta introduced the bill, which proposes sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, requiring action within 180 days.

The proposal allows for the rescinding of sanctions if military control in Pakistan ceases, restoring civilian governance and freeing all wrongfully held political detainees, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

(With inputs from agencies.)