In response to a resolution passed by the United States House of Representatives on alleged poll irregularities in Pakistan’s nationwide general election 2024, the Foreign Office (FO) has said that it “stems from an incomplete understanding of the political situation and electoral process in Pakistan”.
“Pakistan has taken note of the passage of the House Resolution 901 by the US House of Representatives on June 25,” FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in response to media queries on Wednesday.
She said, “We believe that the timing and context of this particular resolution does not align well with the positive dynamics of our bilateral ties, and stems from an incomplete understanding of the political situation and electoral process in Pakistan.”
Pakistan, she said, believes in constructive dialogue and engagement based on mutual respect and understanding.
Earlier, the US House of Representatives expressed its support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan by a massive majority, approving the “House Resolution 901” which urged an impartial probe into the claims of irregularities during the February 8 general elections in the country.
At least 368 members of the US house voted in favour of the resolution and called for a “full and independent investigation of claims of interference or irregularities in Pakistan’s February 2024 election”. Around seven members have voted against it.
Through the resolution, the US lawmakers have emphasised on the need for the Pakistani public’s participation in the country’s democratic process months after its general polls were contested as “rigged” and its outcome termed “delayed” by political parties now seated on the opposition benches in the legislature.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is among those opposing the results of the polls after its candidates faced immense hurdles in their run up to their participation in the vote, leading them to participate as independent candidates and being deprived of their iconic bat symbol following a legal battle with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
