US Congressman Slams Bilawal Bhutto Over Jaish-e-Mohammed, Demands Action on Terror and Minority Rights
Brad Sherman confronts Pakistani delegation in Washington, calls for crackdown on Jaish-e-Mohammed, release of Dr. Shakil Afridi, and protection of religious minorities.
Washington DC, June 7: In a rather unfiltered diplomatic moment in the US capital, Congressman Brad Sherman didn’t hold back as he met with a Pakistani delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister. The American lawmaker, known for his frank views, drove straight into the core issues—terrorism, minority rights, and the contentious imprisonment of a man the US considers a hero, Dr. Shakil Afridi.
A Direct Hit on Jaish-e-Mohammed and Its Violent Legacy
During the meeting, Sherman zeroed in on Jaish-e-Mohammed, a group that’s been linked to a long list of attacks, including the brutal 2002 murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl. Sherman pointed out that Pearl’s family lives in his own California district—this, he said, made the issue intensely personal. “Eliminate this group,” he urged the delegation, with a tone that wasn’t rhetorical.
The implication was clear: Pakistan’s claims of fighting terrorism won’t carry weight unless groups like JeM are dealt with—decisively and publicly. There was no room for diplomatic hedging. Sherman referenced the pain and trauma caused by JeM, a group many believe continues to enjoy safe haven within Pakistan’s borders, even while being formally banned.
While Pakistan has previously denied any ongoing support for the outfit, global skepticism remains. Sherman, in particular, didn’t appear willing to accept platitudes or vague reassurances.
The Indian Backdrop Was Impossible to Ignore
Sherman’s meeting didn’t happen in a vacuum. As it turned out, a high-level Indian parliamentary delegation was also in town, led by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. They were there to update US officials on Operation Sindoor, India’s counter-offensive following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
The dual visits added a layer of silent tension. Washington, while playing host to both parties, saw two competing narratives unfold. But Sherman’s comments—sharply focused on Pakistan’s internal responsibilities—left little doubt about which issues were being prioritized behind closed doors.
Shakil Afridi: The Unresolved Burden in US-Pakistan Ties
And then came Shakil Afridi—a name that’s never far from US lawmakers’ minds when discussing Pakistan. Afridi, the doctor who allegedly helped the US identify Osama bin Laden’s Abbottabad compound, has been locked up in Pakistan since 2011. His arrest, followed by a controversial trial and conviction, sparked fury across Washington.
Sherman brought Afridi into the conversation without hesitation. For him, the physician’s continued imprisonment represents everything that’s gone wrong in the so-called partnership between the US and Pakistan.
He didn’t mince words either. Releasing Afridi, Sherman said, would send the right message—not just to Washington, but to the families of 9/11 victims who still wait for closure. The Congressman called it a matter of justice, one that transcends bilateral interests.
No Democracy Without Religious Freedom, Warns US Lawmaker Brad Sherman
Another thread that ran through the meeting was religious persecution in Pakistan, an issue Sherman has consistently raised in Congress. Citing the plight of Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis, he voiced concern that these communities are being systemically denied not only religious freedoms, but basic democratic participation.
“You can’t claim to be a functioning democracy,” he is believed to have said, “while sections of your own population live in fear of mob violence, blasphemy charges, or targeted discrimination.”
This wasn’t a political attack. It was a reminder. A functioning democracy, he pointed out, isn’t just about elections. It’s about equal rights—on paper and in practice.
Bilawal’s Response? Reserved, If Anything
There was no fiery exchange, no dramatic fallout. But Bilawal Bhutto Zardari—often seen as a polished diplomat trying to modernize Pakistan’s global image—found himself on the defensive. His team didn’t issue any immediate statement addressing Sherman’s demands. They appeared to take the criticisms in stride, but without offering new commitments or policy shifts.
Observers say Bhutto tried steering the discussion toward regional peace and cross-border dynamics. Sherman wasn’t biting. He circled the conversation back to internal accountability—especially on terrorism, Afridi, and minority safety.
The Diplomatic Equation Is Changing
What this meeting revealed, more than anything, is how the US-Pakistan dynamic is evolving. For years, Pakistan enjoyed a degree of strategic leverage in Washington. That buffer is shrinking. With India increasingly seen as a cornerstone of US interests in the Indo-Pacific, and Pakistan struggling with economic chaos and political uncertainty, expectations have shifted.
The room for error is narrower now. And lawmakers like Sherman are no longer content with vague promises. They want action. And they want it visible.
The Pressure Isn’t Going Away
In the end, Sherman’s message wasn’t just aimed at Bhutto’s delegation. It was a public signal to Islamabad. Eliminate Jaish-e-Mohammed. Free Afridi. Protect your minorities. The roadmap was laid out. The question is—does Pakistan have the political will to follow it?
Source: Hindustan Times, NDTV, Financial Express, Moneycontrol
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Amit Singh is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, where he covers the intricate dynamics of Indian politics and global geopolitical shifts. Currently pursuing his studies at Delhi University, Amit brings a keen analytical mind and a passion for factual reporting to his daily coverage, providing readers with well-researched insights into the forces shaping national and international affairs.
- Amit Singhhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/amit_s/
- Amit Singhhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/amit_s/
- Amit Singhhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/amit_s/
- Amit Singhhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/amit_s/
