FO defends Feb 8 elections

Defense Minister says US has a history of overthrowing democratic governments

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Wednesday reacted sharply to the resolution passed by the US House of Representatives, seeking independent investigations into allegations of rigging in the February 8 elections.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan took note of the development. “We believe that the timing and context of this particular resolution does not align well with the positive dynamics of our bilateral ties, and stems from an incomplete understanding of the political situation and electoral process in Pakistan,” she said.

“Pakistan, as the world’s second-largest parliamentary democracy and fifth-largest democracy overall, is committed to the values of constitutionalism, human rights and rule of law in pursuance of our own national interest,” she added.

“We believe in constructive dialogue and engagement based on mutual respect and understanding. Such resolutions are therefore neither constructive nor objective. We hope that the U.S Congress will play a supportive role in strengthening Pakistan-US ties and focus on avenues of mutual collaboration that benefit both our peoples and countries” according to the spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif strongly criticised the resolution passed by US House of Representatives on Pakistan’s February 8 general elections, saying that the country has a history of overthrowing democratic governments.

In a statement, the minister pointed out that the US has a history of overthrowing democratic governments and supporting regimes that perpetuate human rights abuses, such as the oppression of Palestinians.

Asif said that both Democratic and Republican parties have accused each other of foreign interference and election rigging.

He questioned why the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN), should not investigate allegations of election interference in the US, just as they do in other countries.