ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Wednesday sharply criticized the resolution passed by the United States House of Representatives regarding Pakistan’s February 8 general elections, highlighting the US’s history of toppling democratic governments.

In his statement, Asif pointed out that the US has a history of supporting regimes that commit human rights abuses, such as the oppression of Palestinians. He noted that both the Democratic and Republican parties in the US have accused each other of foreign interference and election rigging.

Asif questioned why the international community, especially the United Nations, should not investigate allegations of election interference in the US, similar to how they do in other countries.

Earlier, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution urging Pakistan to uphold democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law.

The resolution, HR 901, was passed with 368 votes in favor and seven against, reflecting 85% participation and 98% approval. It called for Islamabad to respect democratic institutions, human rights, due process, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of speech.

The resolution condemned efforts to suppress democratic participation in Pakistan through harassment, intimidation, arbitrary detention, or any violation of human, civil, or political rights. It also denounced attempts to undermine Pakistan’s political, electoral, or judicial processes.

Pakistan’s general elections on February 8 saw independent candidates backed by the former PTI winning most seats. However, the PML-N and PPP formed an alliance to prevent Imran Khan’s party from gaining power. Opposition parties alleged election rigging, a claim rejected by the caretaker administration that conducted the polls.