Washington: Following the recent passage of HR 901 in the House of Representatives, PTI USA is striving to transform the non-binding resolution into binding legislation, a senior party official revealed to Dawn.
Last week, the lower house of Congress adopted the resolution with a decisive majority vote of 368 to 7, demanding an investigation into the February 8 elections and condemning the widespread human rights violations in Pakistan. The resolution’s passage has sparked discontent in Islamabad, leading to a counter-resolution by the National Assembly, which denounced it as ‘interference.’
Atif Khan, a senior PTI USA leader, acknowledged the resolution’s current non-binding status for the White House. However, he emphasized ongoing efforts to seek the Senate’s endorsement to elevate the resolution to binding legislation. “We are now seeking the Senate’s endorsement of the House resolution,” said Khan.
Khan also disclosed that the party is distributing copies of a UN panel report to members of the US House of Representatives and the Senate. The report concludes that there is no legal basis for Imran Khan’s detention. Additionally, they are sharing a statement from a UN spokesperson indicating that the UN Secretary-General wishes for a more positive resolution to Imran Khan’s situation.
Physicians for a Democratic Pakistan, a group instrumental in the adoption of the resolution, are now approaching members of the US Senate for their approval. PTI lawyers are also exploring the possibility of bringing the matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC), with recent UN statements on the issue providing encouragement.
Furthermore, various Pakistani groups in the UK and Europe, along with top law firms, are preparing to file cases in the ICC. An international collective of attorneys and solicitors, named Friends of Imran Khan Legal Support Group, has been formed to support these efforts.
The evolving situation indicates a concerted push by PTI USA and its allies to seek international legal avenues and legislative support to address the human rights concerns and electoral issues highlighted in HR 901.