Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act
Congress seeks sanctions on Pakistani officials tied to election interference and human rights abuses
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Congress directs the President to identify senior Pakistani government, military, or security officials tied to serious human rights abuses linked to undermining democracy.
- Within 180 days of the law taking effect, the President must send Congress a report naming the individuals and any entities they own or control; it can be classified.
- After people are identified, the President may use existing human-rights sanctions tools, which can include blocking assets and limiting entry into the U.S.
- The bill builds in carve-outs so sanctions don’t block humanitarian aid like food, medicine, and relief work, and it preserves U.S. intelligence and law enforcement activities.
- If enacted, the sanctions authority would end on September 30, 2030.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
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.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articlesBipartisan US bill seeks sanctions on Pakistani officials for rights violations
Covers introduction of the Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act (H.R. 5271), outlining proposed sanctions tools and targets tied to abuses and undermining democracy.
US lawmakers seek action over ‘acts of intimidation’ in Pakistan
Reports on lawmakers urging sanctions/visa bans and references the Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act as a legislative vehicle seeking sanctions for undermining democracy.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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