• House of Representatives passes HR 901 by 368 votes, in rare show of bipartisan unity
• FO says resolution based on ‘incomplete understanding of political situation, electoral process’, doesn’t reflect recent positive trajectory in bilateral ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday took exception to a resolution, passed by the US House of Representatives, expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan and calling for a thorough probe into the alleged irregularities in the Feb 8 elections.

In its reaction, the Foreign Office called the resolution “detrimental” to bilateral ties and “misinformed” about the political and electoral process in Pakistan.

The resolution, which passed the US House of Representatives by an overwhelming 368-7 vote thanks to bipartisan support, urged US President Joe Biden to collaborate with Pakistan in upholding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Congressman Rich McCormick, a Georgia Republican, sponsored the resolution. Congressman Daniel Kildee, a Democrat from Michigan, co-sponsored it. The original resolution was introduced in the House on Nov 30, 2023 and the text was amended on June 18 this year.

Lawmakers supporting resolution HR 901, titled ‘Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan’, claimed that the approval highlighted the United States’ 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 2024 elections.

HR 901 also urged Pakistan to uphold democratic and electoral institutions, human rights, and the rule of law, and respect the fundamental guarantees of due process, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of speech of the people of Pakistan.

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.

Pakistan’s response

On Wednesday, FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the US resolution was “neither constructive nor objective” and divorced from the local context. The spokesperson maintained that the resolution stemmed “from an incomplete understanding of the political situation and electoral process in Pakistan”.

Expressing concerns over the resolution’s timing and its portrayal of Pakistan’s political dynamics, the FO regretted that it did not reflect the recent positive trajectory in bilateral ties.

Claiming that Pakistan was the world’s second-largest parliamentary democracy and fifth overall in size, she reiterated the country’s commitment to constitutionalism, human rights, and the rule of law. She emphasised that these principles were pursued as part of Pakistan’s national interests.

The Foreign Office stressed the value of constructive dialogue and mutual respect and expressed the hope that the US Congress would prioritise actions that strengthen bilateral ties and foster mutual benefits.

The resolution was perceived by some in Pakistan as an unwarranted interference in the country’s internal affairs and a misreading of its political landscape. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in a statement posted on his X account, was even more scathing in his criticism and cited Washington’s own history of electoral controversies and foreign intervention.

Pointing out that the US has a track record of overthrowing democratically elected governments in the 20th century and is currently facilitating Israel’s genocide in Palestine, he questioned the moral authority of the US to lecture Pakistan on human rights.

The minister also highlighted the 2016 and 2020 US elections, where both Democratic and Republican parties alleged foreign interference and rigging.

Mr Asif suggested that the US seek a UN investigation into its electoral irregularities before criticising Pakistan’s political landscape.

Anwar Iqbal in Washington also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2024