US passes resolution calling for investigation into Pakistan elections, Islamabad describes as ‘incomplete understanding’

The resolution stresses the importance of free and fair elections and calls for a thorough, independent investigation into allegations of interference and fraud in Pakistan’s 2024 elections.

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bipartisan resolution in support of democracy and human rights in Pakistan, calling for a “thorough and independent investigation” into Pakistan’s alleged interference in the 2024 elections. The resolution, which was passed with 98 percent support and 85 percent of House members joining, called on US President Joe Biden to work with Pakistan to uphold democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

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The resolution, HR901, titled “Exercising Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Pakistan,” was introduced by Rep. McCormick of Georgia and Rep. Kildee of Michigan, with over 100 of their co-sponsors. “The resolution emphasizes the importance of upholding democratic values ​​and respecting the rights of the Pakistani people in the face of economic insecurity and security threats,” an official statement said.

“The near-unanimous passage of this resolution sends a clear message to the Pakistani government that the United States stands with the Pakistani people in their pursuit of democracy, free and fair elections, and respect for individual freedoms and human rights. It is critical that Pakistan’s new government remains committed to rooting out corruption, promoting democratic values, and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for all its people,” it added.

The resolution stressed the importance of free and fair elections and called for a thorough and independent investigation into allegations of interference and fraud in Pakistan’s 2024 elections, Dawn reported. It also condemned efforts to suppress democratic participation in Pakistan, particularly harassment, intimidation, violence, arbitrary detention, restrictions on internet access, and violations of human, civil, and political rights.

Responding to the resolution, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the bipartisan resolution arose out of an “incomplete understanding” of the country’s political situation and electoral process.

“We believe that the timing and context of this resolution are not in keeping with the trend of good relations between our two countries,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

It further asserted that Islamabad is “committed to the values ​​of constitutionalism, human rights and the rule of law in pursuit of our national interests.”

“We believe in constructive dialogue and engagement based on mutual respect and understanding,” he said, adding that such a solution was neither constructive nor objective.

“We hope that the US Congress will play a collaborative role in strengthening Pakistan-US ties and focus on avenues of mutual cooperation that benefit our two peoples and countries,” he added.

Pakistan’s general election, held on February 8 this year, was marred by allegations of fraud, with internet shutdowns, irregularities and violence reported across the country.

Imprisoned former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, also challenged the results, accusing them of fraud. “Khan, who is in prison on multiple convictions, has lost his party’s iconic bat symbol, forcing party leaders to contest the election as independents.”

Independent candidates backed by the PTI won the most seats in the election, but Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz faction and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan People’s Party formed a coalition government with Sharif as prime minister and the PPP supporting the government from outside.