Pakistan Condemns US Congress Election Probe Resolution

In a significant political development, the Pakistan National Assembly passed a resolution condemning the United States House of Representatives’ recent vote to demand an investigation into alleged irregularities in Pakistan’s general elections. This move has highlighted the tensions between the two countries and underscored Pakistan’s stance on maintaining its sovereignty.

On Friday, the National Assembly, amid a raucous protest from opposition members, passed a resolution tabled by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Shaista Pervaiz Malik. The resolution strongly condemned the US Congress resolution, labeling it as “contrary to facts” and an “interference” in Pakistan’s internal affairs. The resolution expressed sorrow over the US House Resolution 901, which called for a “full and independent investigation of claims of interference or irregularities” following the February 8 elections.

The resolution emphasized that the US Congress resolution was based on incomplete information and misunderstandings about Pakistan’s political and electoral processes. It declared that Pakistan, as an independent and sovereign state, would not tolerate any form of external interference. The National Assembly also called for the US to maintain bilateral relations with Pakistan based on mutual respect.

MNA Shaista Pervaiz Malik criticized the opposition for encouraging foreign interference in Pakistan’s internal matters. She stressed that the US resolution undermined the independent voting rights of millions of Pakistanis and urged the US Congress to focus on constructive roles that strengthen Pakistan-US bilateral ties and address mutual interests.

The resolution faced strong opposition from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) lawmakers. They opposed the resolution, chanted slogans of “Cipher-Cipher” and “Shame-Shame” in the House, and tore copies of the resolution. PTI members, who won a significant number of seats in the National Assembly, supported the US resolution, viewing it as a step in the right direction to address electoral irregularities.

Earlier this week, the US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of Resolution HR 901, with 368 votes for and seven against. The resolution called for a comprehensive investigation into the election interference claims, emphasizing the importance of the Pakistani public’s participation in the democratic process. This resolution came in the wake of the February 8 general elections, which were contested amid allegations of rigging and delays by opposition parties.

The US resolution has drawn a strong response from Islamabad. The Pakistani Foreign Office stated that the resolution stemmed from an incomplete understanding of the political situation and electoral process in Pakistan. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar announced plans to introduce a resolution in the National Assembly to demonstrate national sovereignty and unity.

The passage of the resolution in the National Assembly marks a critical moment in Pakistan’s political landscape, emphasizing the country’s commitment to maintaining its sovereignty and rejecting external interference. The ongoing debate over electoral integrity and foreign involvement underscores the complexities of Pakistan’s political dynamics and its relations with the United States. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on how both nations navigate these tensions while striving to uphold democratic principles and mutual respect.