Allies back NA riposte to US, PTI opposes it

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Friday passed a resolution with a majority vote amid strong opposition of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) against resolution of the US House of Representatives, saying that Pakistan will not accept any interference in its internal affairs.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) MNA Shaista Pervaiz Malik moved the resolution after adoption of motion of suspension of relevant rules of the National Assembly to move the resolution.

The SIC legislators opposed the resolution and raised slogans in House.

Through the resolution, the NA expressed sorrow over the US House Resolution 901 which demanded a “full and independent investigation of claims of interference or irregularities” after expressing concerns over the February 8 polls.

The NA resolution stated that recognising the United States of America as an important and valued partner, recalling the spirit of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, and affirming commitment to upholding the universal norms of democracy and fundamental human rights enshrined in it, the House reiterated Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard and uphold the afore-mentioned principles in letter and spirit, in line with the aspirations of our people and the vision of our founding fathers.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to building a strong and stable democratic society, the resolution stated that the House deeply regrets that the US resolution clearly reflects an incomplete and wrong understanding of the political and electoral processes of Pakistan.

The resolution stated that the House further regrets that the US resolution does not acknowledge the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by millions of Pakistanis in the February 8 general elections.

“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 stated.

The resolution drew attention of the US House of Representatives to more important issues such as the ongoing acts of genocide in Gaza, gross human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and state-sanctioned atrocities against minorities, especially the Muslims, in India.

The resolution called upon the US and the world community to take immediate steps to alleviate the sufferings of the innocent people of Gaza and the IIOJK.

The resolution stated that 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 House of Representatives will play a more constructive role in strengthening Pakistan-US bilateral relations by focusing on avenues of collaboration for mutual benefit of both our people and countries.

It called 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.

Following the passage of the resolution, the members of treasury benches Shaista Pervaiz Malik, PPP’s Shugfta Jumani, Aqil Malik of the PMLN and Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui of the MQM criticised the SCI legislators to oppose the resolution.

Meanwhile, The National Assembly passed an amendment to the Elections Act 2017 [The Elections (Amendment) Bill 2024].

The bill was moved by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Nazeer Tarar.

Briefing the lawmakers, he said the amendment was aimed at expediting the settlement of petitions pertaining to elections of the National Assembly, the Senate, provincial assemblies, and local governments.

He explained that due to the workload on serving judges, the proposed amendment seeks to restore the original provision of Section 140, making retired high court judges eligible for appointment as members of election tribunals.