[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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