Pakistan on Monday formally lodged a protest with the United States expressing serious concern over the tabling of a resolution on Balochistan in the US Congress.

"US Charge d'Affaires Richard Hoagland was told in clear terms that the move in the US Congress was contrary to the spirit of friendly relations and violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and recognized norms of inter- state conduct," a Foreign Office statement said.

"The Charge d'Affaires, who was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was asked to convey the serious concern of the Government of Pakistan to the US Administration," the statement said.