By an overwhelming 368-7 vote, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution expressing strong support for Pakistani democracy and calling for a thorough and independent investigation of any claims of interference or irregularities in Pakistan’s election in February 2024. This represents a significant display of bipartisan support.
The passage of resolution HR 901, “Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan,” was hailed by lawmakers as a testament to US commitment to advancing democratic values around the world.
The resolution, which was approved with the support of 98% of House members and 85% of participants, called on US President Joe Biden to work with Pakistan to protect democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
It highlighted the significance of free and fair elections and demanded an exhaustive, impartial inquiry into any allegations of tampering or anomalies with Pakistan’s 2024 elections.
HR 901 denounced attempts to discourage Pakistani democracy engagement as well. It explicitly condemned any infringement of human, civil, or political rights as well as harassment, intimidation, assault, arbitrary detention, and internet access restrictions.
A significant turning point in US foreign policy was reached when the House decisively voted to support democratic institutions and human rights in Pakistan.
The resolution was introduced by Georgia Republican Congressman Rich McCormick. Its co-sponsor is Michigan Democrat Congressman Daniel Kildee. On November 30, 2023, the House received the original resolution, which was later changed on June 18 of the same year.
Resolution resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) affirms its strong support for democracy in Pakistan, including free and fair elections reflecting the will of the people of Pakistan;
(2) calls on the President and the Secretary of State to strengthen engagement with the Government of Pakistan to ensure democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are upheld;
(3) urges the Government of Pakistan to uphold democratic and electoral institutions, human rights, and the rule of law, and respect the fundamental guarantees of due process, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of speech of the people of Pakistan;
(4) condemns attempts to suppress the people of Pakistan’s participation in their democracy, including through harassment, intimidation, violence, arbitrary detention, restrictions on access to the internet and telecommunications, or any violation of their human, civil, or political rights;
(5) condemns any effort to subvert the political, electoral, or judicial processes of Pakistan; and
(6) urges the full and independent investigation of claims of interference or irregularities in Pakistan’s February 2024 election.
