The Pakistani government is considering a reciprocal response to the recent US House of Representatives resolution that called for an investigation into the February 8 elections.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed this intention on the National Assembly floor, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to assert its sovereignty and unity. “We must show that we mean business. This [resolution] makes no sense,” he stated.
Earlier this week, the US House passed resolution HR 901 by a significant margin—368 to seven votes—demanding a thorough investigation into alleged electoral irregularities in Pakistan.
Islamabad has reacted strongly, with the Foreign Office criticizing the resolution for being based on a flawed understanding of Pakistan’s political and electoral dynamics.
The US resolution supports democracy and human rights in Pakistan and urges the government to maintain democratic and electoral institutions, human rights, and the rule of law. It also denounces any attempts to undermine Pakistan’s political, electoral, or judicial systems.
In his address, Dar suggested that while Pakistan could issue similar resolutions concerning other countries, it has chosen restraint. He also noted that a draft resolution is ready for discussion and aims to unite government and opposition leaders against the US measure.
Dar refuted suggestions of Pakistan’s international isolation, highlighting its recent election as a non-permanent United Nations Security Council member, demonstrating global trust in the current government.
Meanwhile, the PTI, which secured the majority in the National Assembly, supported the US resolution, viewing it as a step towards upholding democracy, the rule of law, and civilian oversight of the military, as stated by PTI’s Arif Alvi on X.
Furthermore, Dar indicated that Pakistan intends to actively use its position on the UNSC to address issues like the Kashmir dispute and the situation in Gaza.
He also mentioned ongoing diplomatic engagements with Afghanistan, with finalised plans for a visit to Kabul.
