WASHINGTON: A handful of US lawmakers and rights activists have urged the new Congress to take a stand against the military trials of civilians in Pakistan, and to advocate for the reversal of anti-democratic measurestargetingthe PTI.

The call came during a Congressional briefing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, marking PTI supporters` first engagement with the new Congress. The briefing was aimed at informing Congress about Pakistan`s current political situation, and sponsored by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

The party`s activists announced plans to introduce a resolution in the US legislature, demanding full democracy in Pakistan, later this year.

Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the most vocal Muslim member of Congress,emphasised her support for the Pakistani people.

`I stand in solidarity with the Pakistani people as they face the suppression of their rights to protest and vote,` she said, and criticised her government for supporting the Pakistani government`s `undemocratic actions`, particularly through unconditional military aid that, according to her, harms the people`s right to choose their leaders.

`We must call for the release of political prisoners like Imran Khan,` she added.

Congressman Greg Casar (D-TX), who sponsored the briefing arranged by the advocacy group First Pakistan Global, underscored the importance of peace, democracy, and human rights in Pakistan. `US taxpayer dollars should not support authoritarian regimes,` he remarked, linking US military alliances in Latin America to the broader issue in Pakistan.

Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA) condemned the Pakistan government`s alleged crackdown on opposition protesters, including the use of internet shutdowns and arbitrary detentions. He also called for an investigation into the government`s misuse of counterterrorism laws and the violent repres-sion ofpeacefulprotesters.

Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) raised concerns about the undemocratic nature of Pakistan`s recent elections. `The military`s control over the political process in Pakistan undermines democracy,` he said.

Benjamin Linden of Amnesty International condemned the excessive force used against peaceful protesters during the events of Nov 26 and 27, 2024.

`Amnesty International continues to call for a transparent investigation into these actions,` he said, and urged the Pakistani government to ensure that citizens can peacefully assemble without fear of violent repression.

Yumna Rizvi, a senior policy analyst at the Centre for Victims of Torture, spoke about the growing support for PTI despite the government`s ongoing crackdown on freedoms of expression and association. `The government is losing support because of the widespread repression,` she claimed, adding that violations of fundamental freedoms are eroding trustin the state.

The event was briefly disrupted by supporters of the PML-N, who raised slogans, but were quickly removed by Capitol Hill police.