The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday expressed approval of the recent US House of Representatives resolution calling for an impartial investigation into alleged irregularities during Pakistan’s general elections on February 8.
The resolution, which passed overwhelmingly, aligns with PTI’s longstanding demands following the disputed election results.
US lawmakers have voiced their support for upholding democratic processes and human rights in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of the Pakistani public’s participation in these processes. The resolution has been viewed by PTI as a significant international backing for their stance against the election results, which saw their candidates facing significant obstacles and eventually contesting as independents due to a legal dispute with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Pakistan’s major parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), along with other parties, have since formed a coalition government. Former President Arif Alvi praised the resolution as a critical endorsement of democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan.
Conversely, PTI’s opponents have criticized the resolution as unwanted foreign intervention. PPP’s Raza Haroon questioned the propriety of seeking and supporting such intervention, highlighting a perceived inconsistency with PTI’s past positions against US involvement.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused PTI of manipulating the resolution’s passage, challenging the US to scrutinize its own democratic processes before critiquing others.
Despite the controversy, PTI continues to engage US lawmakers and lobbying firms to advocate for transparent elections and address human rights concerns in Pakistan. The resolution passed with a vote of 368-7, prompting Pakistan’s Foreign Office to comment that it reflects a misunderstanding of Pakistan’s political and electoral landscape.
