Pakistan's general elections, held on February 8, were marred by violence, nationwide internet shutdown, arrests and unusually delayed results.
advertisementThe resolution was passed by an overwhelming 368-7 vote on Tuesday and called on US President Joe Biden to tie up with Pakistan in upholding democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Lawmakers who supported the resolution titled 'Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan', said the overwhelming support highlighted the US's commitment to promoting democratic values globally.
The resolution emphasised the need for Pakistani public participation in the democratic process and denounced "any effort to subvert the political, electoral or judicial processes of Pakistan".
He said the resolution had "no value" and called it a political posturing in an election year in the US.
The US House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan resolution by an overwhelming vote supporting democracy and human rights in Pakistan, and calling for a "thorough and independent" investigation into alleged irregularities in the country's general elections in February.
Pakistan's general elections, held on February 8, were marred by violence, nationwide internet shutdown, arrests and unusually delayed results. These issues led to claims that the polling process had been rigged.
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The resolution was passed by an overwhelming 368-7 vote on Tuesday and called on US President Joe Biden to tie up with Pakistan in upholding democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Lawmakers who supported the resolution titled 'Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan', said the overwhelming support highlighted the US's commitment to promoting democratic values globally.
It emphasised the importance of free and fair elections, calling for a thorough and independent investigation into any claims of interference or irregularities in Pakistan’s general elections.
The resolution emphasised the need for Pakistani public participation in the democratic process and denounced "any effort to subvert the political, electoral or judicial processes of Pakistan".
It also condemns "attempts to suppress the people of Pakistan’s participation in their democracy, including through harassment, intimidation, violence, arbitrary detention, restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunications, or any violation of their human, civil or political rights".
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party led by jailed former prime minister and former cricketer Imran Khan, is among those opposing the election results. The party was forced to field independents without their iconic bat symbol due to a legal tussle with the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Despite the PTI-backed independents winning the most number of seats, Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led Pakistan People's Party formed a coalition government, leaving PTI and other parties in opposition.
PAKISTAN CRITICISES RESOLUTION
Pakistan's Foreign Office took note of the resolution passed by the US House of Representatives and said the measure stemmed from a "lack of understanding" of Pakistan's political situation and electoral process.
"We believe that the timing and context of this particular resolution do not align well with the positive dynamics of our bilateral ties and stem from an incomplete understanding of the political situation and electoral process in Pakistan," Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch was quoted as saying by Pakistan's The Express Tribune newspaper.
She called for the importance of constructive talks and engagement based on understanding and mutual respect.
"Such resolutions are therefore 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," Baloch added.
On the other hand, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif lashed out at the US over the resolution and said it had "no right" to interfere in the country's internal affairs.
"They have no right to interfere in our internal affairs or give any sort of verdict on the matter," Asif told local broadcaster Geo News.
He said the resolution had "no value" and called it a political posturing in an election year in the US.
(with inputs from agencies)
