Shams Khan
SK@ShamsKhan.co
February 10, 2024

The Honorable Marco Rubio
United States Senate
284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Rick Scott
United States Senate
110 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Subject: Urgent Appeal for U.S. Intervention Regarding Electoral Malpractice in Pakistan's Elections on February 8, 2024

Dear Senators Rubio and Scott,

I am reaching out to you as a deeply concerned citizen of Tampa, Florida, to urgently draw your attention to the alarming events that unfolded during the recent elections in Pakistan on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

The integrity of these elections has been severely compromised due to widespread and systematic rigging, allegedly orchestrated by the Pakistani military. This manipulation aimed to skew the electoral outcome in favor of particular factions, thereby undermining the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, among others, and curtailing the democratic process.

Such blatant disregard for democratic values and the will of the people is not only a violation of the fundamental principles of democracy but also represents a significant step back for human rights within the region. The repercussions of these actions are deeply significant, impacting not merely the political framework of Pakistan but also the broader societal fabric. They strip citizens of their entitlements to equitable governance, and a system based on meritocracy.

As a proud Floridian and an American of Pakistani origin, I implore you to use your esteemed positions to voice our collective disdain for these undemocratic practices. It is crucial that the United States, a global advocate for democracy and human rights, publicly condemns this electoral interference and considers imposing sanctions on those individuals and entities responsible.

Specifically, I request that you:

1. Issue a public condemnation of the manipulation and rigging of Pakistan's February 8, 2024, elections by the military establishment.
2. Advocate for targeted sanctions against the architects of this electoral fraud, including visa restrictions, asset freezes, and other financial penalties.
3. Encourage an independent investigation into these allegations and reassess any cooperative engagements with the resultant administration, ensuring alignment with democratic principles.

Your leadership and advocacy on this matter could significantly influence the international response to these egregious violations of democratic integrity. By standing in solidarity with the proponents of democracy and human rights in Pakistan, the United States can affirm its commitment to justice and the rule of law on a global scale.

Thank you for considering this urgent appeal. I, along with many others in the Pakistani-American community in Florida, look forward to your swift and decisive action in response to these developments.

Sincerely,

Shams Khan
SK@ShamsKhan.co