Washington: The United States House of Representatives on Wednesday expressed its support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan by passing a resolution calling for an impartial investigation into allegations of irregularities in the country’s general elections.
At least 368 members of the US House of Representatives voted in favor of the resolution and called for “a full and independent investigation into allegations of interference or interference in the February 2024 elections in Pakistan.” About seven members voted against it.
In accordance with House Resolution 901, representatives voted “We support democracy and human rights in Pakistan.”
Through the resolution, the US lawmakers said Pakistanis should participate in the country’s democratic process months after the general election was deemed “hijacked” and the results “delayed” by political parties sitting on the opposition benches. legislature.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was among those protesting the poll results after its candidate faced tough hurdles to contest the polls and was disqualified from being an independent candidate. symbol, after a legal battle with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The country’s two main parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), along with other political parties, formed a coalition government at the center after the election, leaving candidates from the PTI and others. political parties that have opposition seats.
On the other hand, the resolution condemns “attempts to reduce the democratic participation of the people of Pakistan, including harassment, intimidation, violence, arbitrary arrests, restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunications, or human rights violations”. civil or political rights”.
The resolution also condemned “any attempt to interfere with Pakistan’s political, electoral or judicial affairs”.
Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Center’s South Asia Institute in Washington, who shared his views on the development, said that at least 85% of House members supported the resolution.
American scholars added that this decision will not have a major impact on US policy towards Pakistan. However, Joe Biden wants the government to conduct its own investigation into the alleged election fraud.
Days after Pakistan’s election, the US State Department said it was appropriate for the Pakistani government to investigate allegations of electoral fraud.
“We think it’s the right thing to do. We will respond to questions about misconduct not only in Pakistan, but anywhere in the world. We believe it has been thoroughly investigated and resolved. press conference in February.
Kugelman, meanwhile, said the vote by American lawmakers “raises the question of what additional legislation we can see to rebuild Pakistan”.
