Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Pakistan would be drafting its resolution in response to the United States’ call for an impartial investigation into the general elections held in February 2024. Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Dar emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the US resolution while reinforcing Pakistan’s sovereignty and unity.
Dar stated that the government had taken note of the US resolution and is currently working on a draft resolution. This draft will be shared with both opposition and treasury benches for consideration. He urged all political factions to come together in solidarity and support the move, stressing the importance of a united front in maintaining Pakistan’s democratic integrity and sovereignty.
Earlier this week, the United States House of Representatives voted in favor of a resolution calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the claims of interference and irregularities in Pakistan’s February 2024 general elections. A significant majority of 368 US lawmakers supported the resolution, which underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
The US resolution strongly condemned any efforts to undermine the democratic participation of the Pakistani people. It highlighted concerns such as harassment, intimidation, violence, arbitrary detention, restrictions on internet and telecommunications access, and other violations of human, civil, and political rights. Furthermore, the resolution urged the Pakistani government to uphold its democratic and electoral institutions, respect human rights, and adhere to the rule of law.
In his address, Dar called for a collective approach from both the treasury and opposition benches in responding to the US resolution. He highlighted the necessity of unity in the face of external scrutiny and emphasized that the sovereignty of Pakistan should be upheld above all else. Dar’s remarks aimed at fostering a spirit of cooperation among lawmakers to ensure that Pakistan’s response is robust and reflects a united stance.
The US resolution’s call for an investigation has put Pakistan’s electoral process under the international spotlight. It emphasizes the global community’s interest in ensuring that the democratic process in Pakistan is free from interference and conducted with the utmost integrity. The resolution also calls on the Pakistani government to respect fundamental freedoms such as freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of speech, which are essential for a healthy democracy.
In response, Pakistan’s proposed resolution aims to address these concerns while asserting its sovereignty. The draft resolution, once shared with the opposition and treasury benches, is expected to outline Pakistan’s stance on the allegations and the measures it plans to take to ensure transparency and fairness in its electoral process. This move is intended to demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to upholding democratic values and addressing any potential irregularities in its election process.
The call for sovereignty and unity by Ishaq Dar reflects a broader sentiment within Pakistan’s political landscape. There is a clear recognition of the need to present a unified front in international forums, especially when national integrity and democratic processes are questioned. This approach not only strengthens Pakistan’s position on the global stage but also helps in reinforcing internal political stability.
As the draft resolution is prepared and shared among lawmakers, it is anticipated that there will be robust discussions and deliberations. These discussions will be crucial in shaping a response that is not only firm and assertive but also reflective of the democratic principles that Pakistan upholds. The resolution is expected to address the specific allegations raised by the US and outline the steps that Pakistan will take to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process in the future.
