Islamabad:
The National Assembly on Friday passed a resolution opposing the resolution passed by the US House of Representatives earlier this week, alleging that it displays complete ignorance of Pakistan’s political and electoral process and constitutes interference in the country’s internal affairs.
The resolution was passed by an overwhelming majority at a meeting chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, after the opposition staged noisy protests, with members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) raising “code, code” slogans and tearing up copies of the agenda.
The resolution was submitted by Shaista Pervez Malik of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on behalf of women lawmakers from coalition parties who were elected to reserved seats in the National Assembly.
The resolution was signed by PML-N’s Nuzhat Sadiq and Shizra Mansab, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)’s Shagufta Jamani, Isteek-e-Pakistan Party (IPP)’s Manaza Hassan, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)’s Ashia Ishaq Siddiqui and minority member Dr Mahesh Malani among others.
The resolution took note of a resolution titled “Expressing support for Pakistan’s democracy” adopted by the US House of Representatives on Wednesday, which called for a “full and independent investigation into allegations of interference and fraud in the February 8, 2024 general elections.”
The National Assembly resolution reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to upholding the universal principles of democracy and fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1973 Constitution, and the country’s determination to build a strong and stable democratic society.
The resolution noted that the House resolution is clearly the result of a flawed misunderstanding of Pakistan’s political and electoral processes and fails to recognize the voting rights of millions of Pakistanis in general elections.
The resolution declared the US resolution an attempt to interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs, adding that Pakistan, as a free and sovereign country, will not accept any interference in its internal affairs.
The resolution reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a strong bilateral relationship with the United States based on equality, mutual respect and cooperation. The resolution expects the US Congress to play a more constructive role in strengthening Pakistan-US relations for the benefit of both countries.
Regarding this resolution, Shaista said:
Pervez Malik said that under no circumstances should world powers be allowed to interfere in the internal affairs of any country. Shagufta Jumani also said that the US must stop interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
Asia Siddiqui charged that the US had spread terrorism across the world but “terrorism will not be tolerated” in Pakistan. “Today, this House has stated, ‘We will never tolerate it with the US.'” After passing the resolution, the session was adjourned indefinitely.
Overseas offices
Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at a weekly briefing at the ministry that Resolution 901 passed by the US House of Representatives was a “unilateral interference” in Pakistan’s internal affairs and was “neither welcomed nor tolerated”.
Baloch told media that the US resolution clearly stemmed from an inadequate and erroneous understanding of Pakistan’s political and electoral processes. He stressed that the timing and context of the resolution were also not conducive to the current positive trajectory of bilateral relations.
