US House resolution urges Pakistan to uphold democratic institutions, human rights and the rule of law

As the cash-strapped Pakistan gears up for general elections in February, a resolution has been introduced in the US House of Representatives pleading with Pakistan to preserve democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law. Congressmen Mitch McCormick and Dan Kildee submitted a resolution in the House of Representatives this week that reaffirmed the country’s strong support for democracy in Pakistan, particularly free and fair elections that represent the desire of the Pakistani people. It also called on the President and the Secretary of State to work with the Government of Pakistan to ensure democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are upheld. The resolution that has been sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee urges the Government of Pakistan to uphold democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law, and respect the fundamental guarantees of due process, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of speech of the people of Pakistan. It condemns attempts to suppress the people of Pakistan’s participation in their democracy, including through harassment, intimidation, arbitrary detention, or any violation of their human, civil, or political rights; and condemns any effort to subvert the political, electoral, or judicial processes of Pakistan. The resolution comes at a time when Pakistan, which is facing both political and economic instability, is preparing to hold the general election on 8 February. With inputs from agencies