Washington: U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna has stirred controversy with his recent comments on alleged restrictions on press freedom and democratic dissent in Pakistan. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khanna condemned what he called the “targeting of journalists and suppression of democratic voices” in the country.
However, Congressman Ro Khanna remarks have triggered strong reactions from analysts and observers in Pakistan and beyond. Critics accuse the congressman of “selective outrage,” pointing to unresolved issues of civil liberties within the United States itself.
Critics point to U.S. domestic record
Observers were quick to highlight inconsistencies in Khanna’s stance. They cited Washington’s treatment of whistleblowers like Edward Snowden and Julian Assange as clear examples of suppression. Furthermore, recent crackdowns on university students protesting against Israel’s actions in Gaza have raised alarms about freedom of expression in America.
“Before preaching to others, U.S. lawmakers should look at how dissent is handled at home,” said a senior Pakistani journalist. “The arrests of peaceful student protesters and journalists in the U.S. don’t exactly scream moral high ground.”
The backlash also focused on growing concerns about media control and digital censorship in the U.S, including social media bans and deplatforming of dissenting voices. “Silencing critics isn’t a problem exclusive to Pakistan,” another analyst noted. “It’s happening in Washington too — just under a different name.”
Double standards fuel frustration
The criticism reflects a broader frustration in the Global South over what is seen as Western double standards. Human rights concerns, many argue, are raised selectively depending on geopolitical interests.
Pakistani social media users also joined the response, urging Khanna to “mind domestic issues before commenting on Pakistan’s internal affairs.”
The Pakistani government has yet to respond formally to Khanna’s statement. However, officials in private express irritation over what they see as one-sided narratives being pushed by U.S. lawmakers.
As Pakistan continues to grapple with political tensions and media challenges, external commentary like Khanna’s is unlikely to help. Instead, it risks inflaming national sentiment and deepening mistrust.
For critics, the message is clear: if the goal is to support democracy, it must begin with consistency. Otherwise, such selective outrage does more harm than good.
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