The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bipartisan resolution calling for a “thorough and independent investigation” into interference claims in Pakistan’s 2024 elections. This resolution, passed with the support of 85% of House members and 98% voting in its favor, has drawn a sharp response from Islamabad. The Pakistani government asserts that the resolution stems from an “incomplete understanding” of the country’s political situation and does not “align well with the positive dynamics of our bilateral ties”.
The resolution, HR 901, titled ‘Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan’, was introduced by Congressman McCormick of Georgia and Congressman Kildee of Michigan, with over 100 colleagues co-sponsoring it. “It underscores the importance of upholding democratic values and respecting the rights of the people of Pakistan as they face economic instability and security threats,” an official statement read. “The near-unanimous passage of this resolution sends a clear message to the government of Pakistan that the United States stands with the people of Pakistan in their pursuit of democracy, free and fair elections, and respect for individual freedoms and human rights. It is crucial that the new government in Pakistan commits to rooting out corruption and promoting democratic values to ensure a stable and prosperous future for all citizens,” it added.
According to a Dawn report, the resolution condemned efforts to suppress democratic participation in Pakistan. It specifically denounced harassment, intimidation, violence, arbitrary detention, and restrictions on internet access, as well as any violations of human, civil, or political rights. “We believe that the timing and context of this particular resolution does not align well with the positive dynamics of our bilateral ties,” Dawn quoted Pakistan’s Foreign Office as saying in a statement on Wednesday. Islamabad claimed that it is “committed” to the values of “constitutionalism, human rights and rule of law in pursuance of our own national interest.” “We believe in constructive dialogue and engagement based on mutual respect and understanding,” it said, adding that such resolutions were “neither constructive nor objective.” “We hope that the US Congress will play a supportive role in strengthening Pakistan-US ties and focus on avenues of mutual collaboration that benefit both our peoples and countries,” it added.
The February 8 general elections in Pakistan were marked by allegations of irregularities, including incidents of internet shutdowns, rigging, and violence across various regions of the country. Imran Khan, the imprisoned former Prime Minister of Pakistan, along with his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, contested the election results, citing “irregularities.” Khan, currently serving jail time due to multiple convictions, also witnessed his party lose the recognisable bat symbol, compelling party leaders to run as independent candidates. Despite this setback, independents supported by PTI secured the highest number of seats in the elections. Nevertheless, a coalition government was formed by Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party, with Shehbaz Sharif appointed as Prime Minister and PPP extending support from outside. With inputs from agencies.
