US responds to Pakistan election resolution in House of Representatives

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) Department of State Deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel responded to the House of Representatives’ resolution on Pakistan general election on Monday.

During a press briefing in Washington on Monday, the deputy spokerperson clarified that the US Congress could not discuss the topic pending legislation. He said that the US Congress operated as a separate branch of the US government.

Read more: Pakistan condemns US resolution, demands respect for sovereignty

Patel stated that US officials have continuously urged Pakistan, both privately and publicly, to uphold constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and religious freedom.

The US House of Representatives passed a resolution expressing concerns about Pakistan’s general election held February 8. The resolution called for a “full and independent” investigation into alleged irregularities, following claims by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan that the election was manipulated.

Titled ‘Expressing Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Pakistan’, the resolution received overwhelming support with a vote of 368-7. It urged US President Joe Biden to collaborate with Pakistan in upholding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

The Pakistan election resolution by US lawmakers talked about the importance of free and fair elections and called for a thorough investigation into any claims of interference or irregularities in Pakistan’s electoral process. It talked about the necessity of public participation in Pakistan’s democratic processes.

Read more: Outgoing Ambassador urges strengthening of Pakistan-US ties

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s PTI contested the election results, citing significant challenges faced by its candidates, including legal battles with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).