A new bill is picking up pace in the US, which wants to impose sanctions on Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, as an attempt to pressure the government to release former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The move has triggered hot debate and discussion, with questions being raised on what this would mean.
The proposed legislation is a major escalation of the US-Pakistan tensions, with most analysts interpreting it as a clear sign of Washington's increasing frustration with Islamabad's military establishment. By singling out General Munir, the US is seeking to put pressure on the Pakistani military to free Khan, who has been a vocal critic of the country's powerful military establishment.
Khan's detention has also triggered mass protests and condemnation from his supporters, who see the action as a clear-cut attempt to silence him. The US bill, if enacted, may well set the stage for Khan's release, but could also further strain ties between the two nations.
The situation is complex with numerous stakeholders. Pakistan's armed forces have been the country's hegemonic force in the country's politics for years, and making any move to challenge its powers will likely be opposed. The US, while eager to see democracy and human rights advocated in Pakistan, might see its methods as interfering with the internal affairs of the country.
As the events unfold, only time will tell how Pakistan's military reacts to the threatened US sanctions. One thing is certain, though: the destiny of Imran Khan and the future of Pakistani democracy are in the balance.