WEB DESK: In the wake of protests led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad, which left casualties among law enforcement and PTI workers, several US lawmakers have extended their support to PTI supporters demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan.
While raising her voice on the popular social media site called X, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib dubbed the repression of the protesters “brutal” and called it an assault on democracy and human rights. She makes her announcement of solidarity with Pakistanis protesting for change, saying, “I stand with the brave Pakistanis rising for justice and democracy.”
This protest has been termed by PTI as the “do-or-die” protest, which however, did not last long after law enforcement agencies had caught up with their crackdowns to scatter the throng. Nine PTI workers have gone missing, according to PTI, although authorities place the death toll at four Rangers and casualties in multiple policemen.
Sharing his feelings due to this misfortune, Congressman Greg Casar condemned the force used against the marchers and proceeded to assert that it was their right to organize non-violent demonstrations. He says, “I condemn this violence and urge the government to allow these protests to continue peacefully.“
Other members of Congress, such as Barbara Lee and Summer Lee, joined in similar messages to emphasize the importance of freedom of speech and assembly. Summer Lee said this: “Everyone deserves to speak out and demand democratization. The boldness of Pakistanis protesting for electoral integrity touches me.”
