Pakistan passes resolution against US call for general election probe

In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan has passed a resolution to condemn the United States House of Representatives' vote to demand a probe into alleged irregularities in Feb 8 general elections.

The resolution passed called the US Congress resolution, “contrary to facts” and “interference” in Pakistan's internal affairs.

The resolution, tabled by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Shaista Pervaiz Malik, was passed by a majority in the National Assembly despite noisy protests from the opposition benches.

The National Assembly expressed regret over the US House Resolution 901, which called for a "full and independent investigation of claims of interference or irregularities" in the February 8 polls. The Pakistani resolution asserted that the US resolution was entirely unfounded and declared that Pakistan, as an independent and sovereign state, would not tolerate any form of interference in its internal affairs.

The lower house of parliament also urged the US to maintain bilateral ties with Pakistan based on mutual respect. MNA Shaista further criticized the resolution passed by the US House of Representatives as clear "interference in internal affairs," despite it being non-binding.

She also rebuked opposition lawmakers for "encouraging an attack on Pakistan’s sovereignty" and allowing a foreign country to "intervene in our internal matters."