[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 25, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H4132-H4133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN PAKISTAN

  Mr. McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 901) expressing support for democracy and human 
rights in Pakistan, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 901

       Whereas Pakistan is an important and valued partner of the 
     United States;
       Whereas, on December 10, 1948, Pakistan became one of the 
     original signatories to, and supported the creation of, the 
     Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR);
       Whereas, on June 23, 2010, Pakistan ratified the 
     International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR);
       Whereas, following the end of the most recent period of 
     military rule in 2008, Pakistan completed its first peaceful 
     transition of power between civilian governments led by 
     different political parties in 2013, but the military 
     continues to exert undue influence on the politics of the 
     country;
       Whereas, during previous elections, most recently in 2018, 
     election monitors expressed concern about constraints on the 
     freedom of expression and freedom of association and noted 
     allegations of influence by the military-led establishment on 
     the electoral process;
       Whereas the Department of State's Country Report on Human 
     Rights Practices has often highlighted significant human 
     rights issues in Pakistan across multiple years, including 
     unlawful, arbitrary, and extrajudicial killings, forced 
     disappearance and arbitrary detention by the state or its 
     agents, the taking of political prisoners, serious 
     restrictions on free expression and media, and substantial 
     interference with the freedom of peaceful assembly and 
     freedom of association;
       Whereas, on April 9, 2022, the National Assembly voted to 
     remove Imran Khan as Prime Minister through a vote of no-
     confidence motion;
       Whereas, on August 10, 2023, President Arif Alvi dissolved 
     Pakistan's National Assembly on the advice of Prime Minister 
     Shehbaz Sharif to allow for new elections, although the 
     Election Commission of Pakistan subsequently announced the 
     postponement of elections until February 2024 to redraw 
     constituencies of the National Assembly to reflect the 2023 
     Census;
       Whereas, on September 1, 2023, caretaker Prime Minister 
     Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said the Government ``was committed to 
     safeguarding and upholding the rights of all its citizens'', 
     and that the Government ``would provide constitutional 
     continuity till the next general elections are held in the 
     country'';
       Whereas, on February 8, 2024, millions of Pakistanis 
     participated in Pakistan's general election, with record 
     numbers of women, youth, and members of religious and ethnic 
     minority groups registered to vote;
       Whereas Pakistan's 2024 general election was marked by 
     allegations by credible international and local observers of 
     interference in the electoral process, including electoral 
     violence, intimidation, arrest of political actors, 
     restrictions to freedom of assembly, restrictions on freedom 
     of expression, and restrictions on access to the internet and 
     telecommunications;
       Whereas, on February 9, 2024, the Department of State noted 
     that it shared the assessment of observers that the election 
     included ``undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, 
     association, and peaceful assembly'', condemned ``electoral 
     violence'' as well as ``restrictions on the exercise of human 
     rights and fundamental freedoms'', and called for the full 
     investigation of fraud or interference in Pakistan's general 
     elections;
       Whereas the Constitution of Pakistan states that ``the 
     Federal Government shall have control and command of the 
     Armed Forces'', and the oath taken by members of the Armed 
     Forces swears they will ``uphold the Constitution'' and ``not 
     engage in any political activities'';
       Whereas an essential safeguard of democracy is civilian 
     command and control of apolitical military and security 
     forces; and
       Whereas democracy, development, rule of law, and respect 
     for human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent 
     and mutually reinforcing: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) affirms its strong support for democracy in Pakistan, 
     including free and fair elections reflecting the will of the 
     people of Pakistan;
       (2) calls on the President and the Secretary of State to 
     strengthen engagement with the Government of Pakistan to 
     ensure democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are 
     upheld;
       (3) urges the Government of Pakistan to uphold democratic 
     and electoral institutions, human rights, and the rule of 
     law, and respect the fundamental guarantees of due process, 
     freedom of press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of speech 
     of the people of Pakistan;
       (4) condemns attempts to suppress the people of Pakistan's 
     participation in their democracy, including through 
     harassment, intimidation, violence, arbitrary detention, 
     restrictions on access to the internet and 
     telecommunications, or any violation of their human, civil, 
     or political rights;
       (5) condemns any effort to subvert the political, 
     electoral, or judicial processes of Pakistan; and
       (6) urges the full and independent investigation of claims 
     of interference or irregularities in Pakistan's February 2024 
     election.


[[Page H4133]]


  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. McCormick) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stanton) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on this measure.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Georgia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan resolution 
expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan.
  Since 2001, the United States and Pakistan have maintained a close 
relationship, working together on counterterrorism and efforts to 
maintain regional stability.
  Pakistan is grappling with massive economic instability due to 
overwhelming foreign debt, record inflation, and major security threats 
from Pakistani Taliban and other terrorist groups.
  As the nation faces the simultaneous economic and security crises, 
the people of Pakistan must have their rights respected and their 
voices heard.
  The new government in Pakistan faces many challenges as they work 
toward reforms to secure economic stability and security for their 
country. However, progress toward a strong democracy must remain a top 
priority.
  The people of Pakistan have the right to strong democratic 
institutions, free and fair elections, and respect for their individual 
freedoms and human rights. Governing institutions must be free from 
corruption or interference. We need more progress toward all these 
goals.
  I have been pleased to see that allegations of interference in 
Pakistan's recent elections are being taken seriously. It is essential 
that this new government commits to rooting out corruption and 
promoting strong democratic values.
  I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) for joining me today 
in introducing this resolution, which has more than 100 bipartisan 
cosponsors.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to show solidarity with the 
people of Pakistan and support this resolution. I reserve the balance 
of my time.
  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in strong support of H. Res. 901, expressing support for 
democracy and human rights in Pakistan, as amended.
  Pakistan faces many challenges. I believe the United States can 
continue to be a partner in meeting those challenges: stabilizing and 
growing Pakistan's economy, strengthening people-to-people ties, 
addressing the threat of terrorism, and mitigating the risks of climate 
change.
  As we work with Pakistan, it is important that we maintain a dialogue 
on democracy and human rights. In fact, I believe it is a sign of the 
strength of our bilateral ties when we can raise these issues frankly.
  Pakistan has a long history of constitutional democracy, but as we 
often see here, constitutional democracy is not easy. Democracies 
should hold each other accountable and help each other as we all work 
toward that ideal.
  I thank Mr. McCormick and Mr. Kildee for bringing forward this 
important piece of legislation and for working with the Foreign Affairs 
Committee to update it following the Pakistani elections in February.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join in supporting this 
measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Kildee).
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding.
  Pakistan and the United States have worked together as partners on 
issues of counterterrorism, trade, investment, and helping to ensure 
regional stability and security.
  It is because of this partnership that the United States must 
continue to work with the Pakistani Government to ensure democracy, 
human rights, and the rule of law are upheld in Pakistan and that the 
fundamental freedoms of the people of Pakistan are respected.
  That is why, along with Congressman McCormick, we joined together to 
introduce H. Res. 901, legislation to affirm the House of 
Representatives' support for democracy and for human rights in 
Pakistan.
  This resolution calls on the Biden administration to strengthen their 
engagement with Pakistan on these issues and calls on Pakistani 
authorities to respect the freedoms of the Pakistani people such as due 
process, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of 
speech.
  Our resolution also supports free and fair elections in Pakistan, 
elections that represent the will of the people of Pakistan.
  Unfortunately, Pakistan's most recent election that took place in 
February was not carried out under conditions that credible election 
observers considered free or fair.
  While there were some bright spots in that election, including the 
record numbers of women, youth, religious, and ethnic minorities being 
registered to vote, the election was ultimately clouded by credible 
allegations of electoral interference, fraud, and violence.
  That is why our resolution urges the full and independent 
investigations of these claims of interference or irregularities in 
Pakistan's February election.
  H. Res. 901 is supported by over 100 Members of Congress and received 
a unanimous vote, 50-0, in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  I thank Mr. McCormick, Chairman McCaul, Ranking Member Meeks, and 
their staffs as well for bringing this really important legislation to 
the floor. This resolution sends a strong message.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join us in passing this to 
express our strong support for democracy, for the rule of law, and 
respect for human rights in Pakistan.
  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for 
the purpose of closing.
  Mr. Speaker, the challenges that Pakistan faces are significant, but 
they are not insurmountable. With continued support and partnership, 
the United States can help Pakistan navigate these difficulties and 
strengthen its democratic institutions.
  By passing this important piece of legislation, this resolution, we 
reaffirm our commitment to the values of democracy and human rights 
that our nations share.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting H. Res. 
901, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of Pakistan deserve the respect of their 
government. The rule of law, free and fair elections, and civilian 
command and control of the military are fundamental tenets of 
democracy. It is essential that the Pakistani Government uphold these 
ideals.
  I encourage the Pakistani Government to continue working to develop 
strong democratic institutions and protect the rights and freedoms of 
the Pakistani people.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. McCormick) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 901, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

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