Frank Pallone: “within the last week, a report investigating the state of human rights in Pakistan was released showing that no…”

“within the last week, a report investigating the state of human rights in Pakistan was released showing that no significant improvements have been made to restore a democratic government in that country. In fact, Mr. Speaker, there is growing evidence that seems to suggest that General Musharraf will put off national elections perhaps until January 2003, the deadline required by the nation's Supreme Court. Mr. Speaker, I have come to the House floor numerous times over the last couple of years to voice my strong opposition to a 1999 coup that ended democratic rule in Pakistan. In October 1999, Pakistan Army Chief Musharraf led a coup against civilian Prime Minister Sharif and then proclaimed himself the nation's chief executive. Musharraf also suspended Pakistan's constitution as well as its representative bodies, including the National Assembly and the Senate. Musharraf says he will abide by the Supreme Court's deadline to return the nation to democratic rule, but I do not believe that January 2003 is soon enough. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Congress should voice its opposition to the Pakistani coup. We should go on record and collectively state that we will not tolerate the overthrow of an elected government.”