Zulfi Bukhari to Address Pakistan’s Human Rights Crisis in U.S. Testimony

Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is scheduled to testify before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. Congress on July 15, 2025. His testimony will focus on political repression and human rights violations in Pakistan. This article explores Bukhari’s upcoming address, the broader crackdown on dissent in Pakistan, and the potential international repercussions.

Bukhari, a close aide to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, will speak at 3:30 p.m. Washington time, highlighting the arbitrary detention of Khan, his wife, and other political prisoners. He intends to draw attention to the erosion of democratic freedoms and increasing restrictions on free speech in Pakistan. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to testify on the state of #HumanRights in #Pakistan,” Bukhari posted on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the suppression of political opponents and journalists. His testimony comes amid growing concerns by the U.S. State Department regarding Pakistan’s February 2024 elections, which faced violence and restrictions, alongside Khan’s imprisonment since August 2023 on corruption and terrorism-related charges.

The Pakistani government’s actions have faced sharp criticism for stifling dissent. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), amended in January 2025, has been reportedly used to target journalists and activists. About 27 YouTube channels, including some affiliated with PTI, have faced bans for “anti-state” content. Bukhari argues this is a deliberate effort to conceal human rights abuses: “It’s not just about channels getting banned. It’s about what they’re not allowing to be told.” The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has echoed these concerns, documenting increased cases of enforced disappearances and media censorship, painting a bleak picture of democratic decline.

Bukhari’s testimony, alongside experts such as Amnesty International’s Ben Linden, signals a call for accountability. Critics assert that Pakistan’s regime is weaponizing laws to silence opposition voices, a trend some conservatives warn could push the country toward authoritarianism. As global scrutiny intensifies, Bukhari’s testimony may pressure Western governments to reassess their engagement with Pakistan’s leadership, which is accused of undermining democratic norms to retain power.

This hearing underscores a broader struggle for liberty and justice. Bukhari’s voice amplifies the plight of those silenced in Pakistan, potentially sparking renewed international debate on how best to respond to ongoing human rights abuses.