new Delhi . A US lawmaker has called for Pakistan to be designated as a sponsor of terrorism, while two others have demanded a probe into Ambassador Masood Khan’s alleged links with Kashmiri and Pakistani groups. This information has been given in Dawn’s report. The initiator of the move is Republican Congressman Scott Perry of Pennsylvania.
The bill introduced by him seeks to ‘provide the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism and for other purposes’.
The bill has now been referred to the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Proposed sanctions include restrictions on foreign aid. These include restrictions on defense exports and sales, certain controls on the export of dual-use goods, and miscellaneous financial and other restrictions.
Others call for punishing individuals and countries doing business with a state declared sponsors of terrorism.
So far only four countries have been designated sponsors of terrorism, including Cuba, North Korea, Iran and Syria.
On March 9, three lawmakers, namely Scott Perry, Gregory Stub, and Mary E. Miller, sent a letter to US Attorney General Merrick Garland, claiming that “Ambassador Khan’s close relationship with domestic actors associated with the Pakistani regime is a serious issue.” remains a matter of concern”.
Khan is a senior diplomat who is the new Ambassador of Pakistan to the US. He had once served as the Permanent Representative of Islamabad to the US in New York.
According to Dawn’s report, he was also the President of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir till August last year.
Three US lawmakers have called for an investigation into allegations that Khan, who has already been confirmed as Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, has links with Muslim groups and organizations in the US.
Last month, another US lawmaker tried to block Khan’s posting, but President Joe Biden’s administration rejected his opposition and confirmed the appointment.
(-AnyTV News)
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