This proposed legislation, known as the "Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act," seeks to impose sanctions on individuals and entities deemed responsible for undermining democracy in Pakistan. Congress finds that despite Pakistan's democratic transitions, the military continues to exert undue influence, and recent elections, including the 2024 general election, have been marred by allegations of interference, violence, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms. The bill affirms strong support for democracy in Pakistan and urges its government to uphold democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law. It mandates that within 180 days of enactment, the President must submit a report identifying senior officials or former senior officials of Pakistan's government, military, or security forces responsible for gross human rights violations or for undermining democracy. The President is then authorized to impose sanctions, similar to those under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, against these identified individuals and any entities they own or control. Exceptions are provided for international obligations, humanitarian assistance, and U.S. intelligence or national security activities. This Act is set to terminate on September 30, 2030.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
International Affairs
Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act
USA119th CongressHR-5271| House
| Updated: 9/10/2025
This proposed legislation, known as the "Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act," seeks to impose sanctions on individuals and entities deemed responsible for undermining democracy in Pakistan. Congress finds that despite Pakistan's democratic transitions, the military continues to exert undue influence, and recent elections, including the 2024 general election, have been marred by allegations of interference, violence, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms. The bill affirms strong support for democracy in Pakistan and urges its government to uphold democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law. It mandates that within 180 days of enactment, the President must submit a report identifying senior officials or former senior officials of Pakistan's government, military, or security forces responsible for gross human rights violations or for undermining democracy. The President is then authorized to impose sanctions, similar to those under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, against these identified individuals and any entities they own or control. Exceptions are provided for international obligations, humanitarian assistance, and U.S. intelligence or national security activities. This Act is set to terminate on September 30, 2030.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.