ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Wednesday said that a resolution passed by the US House of Representatives in support of democracy in Pakistan stemmed from an “incomplete understanding” of the country’s political situation and electoral process.
In a significant display of bipartisan support, the US House of Representatives has passed a resolution expressing robust support for democracy in Pakistan by an overwhelming 368-7 vote.
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.
The resolution — passed with 85 per cent of House members participating and 98pc voting in its favour — urged US President Joe Biden to collaborate with Pakistan in upholding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
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 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.
The decisive vote underscored the House’s commitment to supporting democratic institutions and human rights in Pakistan, marking a notable moment in US foreign policy.
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.
“We believe that the timing and context of this particular resolution does not align well with the positive dynamics of our bilateral ties,” FO said in a statement released later in the day.
“Pakistan […] is committed to the values of constitutionalism, human rights and rule of law in pursuance of our own national interest,” FO said.
“We believe in constructive dialogue and engagement based on mutual respect and understanding,” it said, adding that such resolutions were neither constructive nor objective.
“We hope that the US Congress will play a supportive role in strengthening Pakistan-US ties and focus on avenues of mutual collaboration that benefit both our peoples and countries,” it said.
Michael Kugelman, a scholar of South Asian Affairs at Washington’s Wilson Center, said that the resolution will not have much impact on the Biden administration’s policy toward Pakistan as the administration itself has called for an investigation into election irregularities.
“But the vote does raise questions about what additional legislation we could see regarding Pakistan,” he added.
The passage electrified Imran’s supporters in the US, who clogged social media with their comments. The PTI also shared the development on X.
One of them, who identified himself only as ‘Bol Kay lab Azad’, wrote: “It indicates that US lawmakers oppose the State Department’s endeavors to bring about regime change and promote tyranny globally.”
Another, who identified himself as a ‘Musketeer’, wrote that the resolution will not have much of an impact “unless implemented through the IMF”.
Another, who identified himself as ‘IK Forever’ wanted to know “if the resolution would now be put before the US Senate?”
Yet another commentator, who claimed to be a ‘Reformer’, suggested “translating HR 901 into financial and travel sanctions” on the Pakistani government, its supporters, and sponsors.
