Congress members made the demand at a meeting titled "Status of Human Rights and Democracy in Pakistan," where important topics like human rights abuses, missing persons, upcoming general elections, politically motivated arrests, the value of free speech, and democracy were discussed.
According to Congressman Sherman, "Pakistan is going through a terrible period. More than whether one prime minister agrees with us on one foreign policy issue or another, America is committed to the rule of law and democracy."
He said that US politicians anticipate the free, open, and closely watched elections that Pakistani law mandates would take place "either in October or early November, depending upon how things work out."
Fashion designer Khadija Shah, who was detained by Pakistani police following the May 9 violent incidents, was on display at the event, which was organized by well-known Pakistani-American Dr. Asif Mahmood, with Congressmen Sherman and Jim Costa serving as hosts.
When talking about Pakistani concerns, several US politicians encouraged the government to reform or repeal the blasphemy legislation as well as to stop trying civilians in military courts.
The Pakistani government was pushed again throughout the almost two-hour meeting to set a date for the elections and permit foreign observers to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.