BRUSSELS, April 14: The European Parliament's influential foreign affairs committee on Wednesday approved a new European Union agreement with Pakistan after what parliamentary sources described as a heated and often acrimonious debate on the country's human rights record and political situation.

The agreement was approved after 15 members of the committee voted in favour of parliamentary endorsement of the EU-Pakistan accord while 14 members voted against. A plenary session of the European Parliament would now vote on the agreement next week, with deputies expected to go along with the foreign affairs committee recommendation.

However, parliament insiders warned that the assembly - which is clearly divided on the agreement with Pakistan - could overrule the foreign affairs committee's recommendation, adding however that such a move would be exceptional.

The closely fought vote resulted in the resignation of Euro MP John Cushnahan as parliamentary rapporteur for Pakistan, sources said. Mr Cushnahan had strongly urged the committee to vote against approval of the pact, warning members to focus on Pakistan's human rights record rather than geopolitical imperatives and the country's participation in the battle against terrorism.

A separate resolution to be submitted to the Parliament's plenary session voices regret at the continuing strong influence of the military in Pakistani politics and alleges "serious" human rights violations in the country.