Islamabad – A fresh amendment in the United States House of Representatives has brought Pakistan back under Washington’s spotlight, with critics pointing to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) expanding lobbying network in the West.
On 28 August 2025, Congressman Jim McGovern, a senior Democrat and co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, proposed suspending Pakistan’s participation in the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program until Islamabad “respects basic norms of human rights and democracy.”
The move was amplified by the Coalition to Change US Policy on Pakistan (CUSP), which shared McGovern’s step on social media. An X post read: “BREAKING: @RepMcGovern, leader of @RulesDemocrats & co-chair of @TLHumanRights, introduces amendment to must-pass Pentagon policy bill (#NDAA) that will: Suspend IMET military training for Pakistan until the regime respects basic norms of human rights and democracy.”
A Pattern of Pressure Politics
The amendment is the latest in a string of more than 30 anti-Pakistan initiatives in US Congress since Imran Khan was removed from power through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in 2022. From resolutions to proposed budget cuts, these initiatives have been widely viewed in Islamabad as politically motivated campaigns linked to PTI’s lobbying apparatus.
Analysts note a clear pattern. PTI-aligned lobbyists often partner with hardline lawmakers whose broader records reveal little sympathy for Muslim or Pakistani causes. In 2024, Congressman Andy Ogles attempted to restrict aid to Pakistan through the State and Foreign Operations budget, despite his strongly pro-Israel stance and criticisms of Muslims and China. PTI nevertheless rallied behind his initiative.
Meanwhile, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, under pressure from PAKPAC Michigan, has also raised pointed criticism of Pakistan. But her frequent censure in the House has weakened her credibility on foreign policy issues.
Selective Use of Human Rights Discourse
The recurring theme, observers argue, is the selective weaponization of human rights discourse against Pakistan’s civil and military leadership. These initiatives rarely address broader Muslim or humanitarian issues but are focused narrowly on Pakistan’s internal politics.
Supporters of Pakistan note that genuine allies in Congress have consistently opposed such moves, pointing to the defeat of Ogles’ 2024 amendment as a recent example.
The development also comes after the recent high profile visits of Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir to the United States, where he held discussions with senior military officials and former President Donald Trump. The trip was viewed in Islamabad as part of a broader effort to stabilize ties with Washington and ensure continuity in defense cooperation, including training programs like IMET, despite political turbulence.
Critics of PTI’s lobbying strategy argue that the campaign prioritizes one political personality over Pakistan’s long-term interests. By engaging with lawmakers hostile to the Muslim world, PTI risks undermining Pakistan’s diplomatic standing while seeking only media spotlight and confrontation.
Dragging Pakistan Into US Domestic Politics
For Islamabad, the concern is not just the immediate pressure from amendments like McGovern’s, but the precedent of Pakistan being repeatedly dragged into US domestic politics.
While the PTI has framed such efforts as part of its fight for sovereignty, the paradox, critics argue, lies in inviting foreign punitive measures against its own country.
As one Islamabad-based analyst put it: “These campaigns don’t advance Pakistan’s development or stability. They only deepen polarization at home while exposing Pakistan to unnecessary friction abroad.”
Whether McGovern’s amendment advances in Congress or not, the episode underscores the growing entanglement of Pakistan’s internal politics with US legislative maneuvering, a trend that could complicate Islamabad’s relations with Washington for years to come.
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