The federal government has countered the United States’ motion regarding democracy in Pakistan as the National Assembly passed a resolution to condemn the Congress resolution.

“The House deeply regrets that the subject Resolution clearly reflects an incomplete and wrong understanding of the political and electoral processes of Pakistan,” said the resolution.

The resolution, moved by PML-N lawmaker Shaista Pervaiz Malik amid noise from the opposition, was passed by a majority in the National Assembly.

On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution expressing robust support for democracy in Pakistan. Lawmakers supporting resolution HR 901, titled ‘Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan’, had claimed that the approval highlighted the US’ commitment to promoting democratic values globally.

The resolution passed with 85 per cent of House members participating and 98% voting in its favour urged US President Joe Biden to collaborate with Pakistan in upholding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

It emphasised the importance of free and fair elections, calling for a thorough and independent investigation into any claims of interference or irregularities in Pakistan’s 2024 elections.

In reaction, the Foreign Office said that it stemmed from an “incomplete understanding” of the country’s political situation and electoral process.

“The House further regrets that the Resolution does not acknowledge the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by millions of Pakistanis in the general elections held on February 8, 2024. An independent and sovereign country like Pakistan will not accept any interference in its internal affairs and the subject resolution is an attempt to undermine the state,” it said.

It further drew the superpower’s attention to the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gaza.

The NA called upon the US and the world community to take immediate steps to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza and IIOJK.

“The House encourages and affirms its commitment to strong and cooperative bilateral relations with the United States based on mutual respect and sovereign equality; and expresses the hope that in future the US Congress will play a more constructive role in strengthening Pakistan-US bilateral relations by focusing on avenues of collaboration for the mutual benefit of both our people and countries,” it said.

The resolution calls upon the Government of Pakistan to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the United States by enhancing channels of communication to allay such “misperceptions and work towards a harmonious relationship for the progress and prosperity of the people of both countries.”