National Assembly Condemns US Interference
ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move, the National Assembly (NA) passed a resolution on Friday condemning the United States (US) House of Representatives’ recent resolution on Pakistan’s February 8 general elections, labeling it as “interference” in Pakistan’s internal affairs, according to ARY News.
PML-N lawmaker Shaista Pervaiz Malik introduced the resolution in the National Assembly, which passed by majority amid opposition protests. Lawmakers from the PTI-SIC alliance voiced strong objections against the government, creating a tense atmosphere in the assembly.
This action was a direct response to the US Congress’s House Resolution HR 901, perceived by many in Pakistan as “interference” in the country’s internal affairs.
Resolution Highlights Pakistan’s Sovereignty
The resolution criticized the US Congress resolution, stating it reflects an “incomplete and wrong understanding” of Pakistan’s political and electoral processes. It emphasized that the US Congress resolution failed to acknowledge the free and enthusiastic participation of millions of Pakistanis in the General Elections held on February 8, 2024.
“An independent and sovereign country like Pakistan will not accept any interference in its internal affairs,” the resolution declared, denouncing the US Congress resolution as an attempt to undermine the state.
Read More: Pakistan terms US Congress resolution as ‘unsolicited interference’
The resolution also called attention to more pressing global issues, such as the ongoing genocide in Gaza, human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), and state-sanctioned atrocities against minorities in India, particularly Muslims.
US Congress Resolution on Pakistan’s Elections
Earlier, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution urging Pakistan to uphold democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law. House Resolution HR 901, titled ‘Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan,’ saw 368 members voting in favor and seven against.
The resolution called on Islamabad to uphold democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law, emphasizing the need for due process, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of speech.
Additionally, it condemned efforts to suppress Pakistani citizens’ democratic participation through harassment, intimidation, arbitrary detention, or other rights violations. The resolution also denounced attempts to subvert Pakistan’s political, electoral, or judicial processes.
Pakistan’s general elections on February 8 saw independent candidates backed by former PTI members winning most seats. However, PML-N and PPP formed an alliance to keep Imran Khan’s party out of power. Despite allegations of election rigging by opposition parties, the caretaker administration conducting the polls dismissed these claims.
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