Even more alarming are allegations of extortion. Sources claim that Khaliq ur Rehman demands between $5,000 and $10,000 from American Pakistanis to remove their names from activist watchlists, accompanied by threats against their relatives back home. Meanwhile, leaked documents tied to Major General Faisal Naseer(Director General-internal wing-ISI)—codenamed “Tariq” and known as “Dirty Harry” within ISI circles—reveal a systematic approach to profiling and targeting overseas Pakistanis who support democracy. This includes canceling National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) and orchestrating the extrajudicial abduction of family members in Pakistan.

A Façade of Dialogue Amidst Ongoing Repression

In response to increasing international pressure, the Pakistan Army High Command has begun discussions with Pakistani-American associations. While the officers seem polite and receptive, they continue to downplay Imran Khan’s political role and urge the diaspora to limit engagement with the U.S. Congress. This indicates an attempt to buy time rather than to implement genuine change. Participants in these discussions remain cautious, aware of the military’s long history of deception. Furthermore, anyone who engages with the military becomes a target of suspicion and is viewed with skepticism by the broader diaspora. As a result, many in the diaspora, regardless of their involvement in the reported dialogue, are hesitant to come forward.

Asim Munir, accused of misleading his own colleagues within the Army, now extends that duplicity to the U.S. and the international community. The lack of turnover among ISI officers managing these operations further undermines claims of introspection, exposing the military’s assurances as hollow gestures.

Amidst these ground realities and sentiments, a small group of Pakistani-Americans recently visited Islamabad and met with DG ISI Lt. Gen. Asim Malik. The group includes Dr. Usman Malik, Dr. Saira Bilal, Dr. Muhammad Munir, and businessman Tanweer Ahmed, who is alleged to be a collaborator of Asim Munir. They now face allegations of betrayal from the Pakistani diaspora. PTI leaders in the U.S., such as Atif Khan, have been named in facilitating these meetings with the ISI. However, the rapprochement efforts have been unanimously rejected by the diaspora, emphasizing that without fostering consensus through the restoration of democracy and human rights in Pakistan, such initiatives remain futile and a waste of resources.

Congressional Pushback and a Shifting U.S. Stance

The ISI’s overreach has not gone unnoticed. The U.S. Congress is increasingly vocal about Pakistan’s military interference, signaling a shift from broad support for Pakistan’s stability to targeted criticism of its junta. Key legislative actions underscore this frustration:

• House Resolution 901 (H.Res. 901): Introduced on November 30, 2023, this bipartisan resolution condemned efforts to suppress democratic participation in Pakistan and called for a thorough investigation into electoral irregularities. It passed with overwhelming support, reflecting a strong stance against military overreach.
  
  
• Pakistan Democracy Act: Introduced in March 2025, this bill proposes sanctions against specific military officials, including General Asim Munir, for their role in persecuting political opponents. It marks a significant escalation in Congressional efforts to hold the Pakistani military accountable.

Letters from lawmakers to the Biden administration further urge a tougher stance, highlighting the political crisis surrounding Imran Khan’s detention and the military’s broader assault on democracy. As these measures gain traction, Pakistan’s foreign policy under Munir appears to be unraveling, with traditional diplomatic lobbying efforts failing in the face of mounting evidence.

A Threat to Democratic Values

The ISI’s operations, led by figures like Director Khaliq ur Rehman and Col. Asifullah, represent a direct affront to democratic principles upheld by the U.S. Operating from within American borders, these officers exploit their diplomatic cover to coerce and extort, undermining the rights of Pakistani Americans to freely express dissent. Their silence in response to inquiries only deepens suspicions about the covert nature of their mission.

As evidence of these violations mounts—supported by leaked documents, firsthand accounts, and photographic proof—the need for accountability grows urgent. The U.S. State Department must address how such transnational repression has been allowed to flourish, while the international community must act to protect dissenters and uphold the rule of law.

Conclusion

Far from reforming, the Pakistani military under General Asim Munir has escalated its campaign of repression, extending its reach into the United States with alarming audacity. The ISI’s tactics—coercion, extortion, and deception—reveal a regime more concerned with preserving power than fostering dialogue or democracy. As Congress ramps up pressure and the diaspora pushes back, the military junta faces a reckoning. The evidence is clear: this is not introspection but a desperate bid to cling to control, no matter the cost. Vigilance and decisive action are essential to counter this threat and safeguard democratic values on both sides of the globe.