Pakistan Rejects US Resolution Criticizing Democratic and Human Rights Record

Officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed during a Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting on Tuesday that the ministry has strongly rejected the US House Resolution 901, which urged Pakistan to uphold democratic institutions and human rights.

Chairing the meeting, Senator Irfanul Haq Siddiqui was briefed on the ministry’s response, which criticized the resolution, passed in June 2024, for lacking an understanding of Pakistan’s political dynamics. Officials stated that Pakistan’s embassy in Washington had circulated a counter-resolution adopted by Pakistan’s National Assembly, which dismissed the US stance as baseless and unsubstantiated.

Efforts to engage with the US Congress for a more balanced and informed dialogue on Pakistan’s democratic progress and human rights advancements were also highlighted during the meeting.

Senators Condemn Israeli Actions Against UNRWA

During the session, senators condemned recent Israeli legislation targeting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), calling it an affront to the rights of Palestinian refugees and international humanitarian efforts.

Evacuation of Pakistanis from Syria

The committee was also updated on the foreign ministry’s urgent efforts to evacuate Pakistani nationals trapped in Syria amid the ongoing conflict. Out of 180 stranded pilgrims, 170 have been successfully evacuated to Lebanon.

Following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s communication with his Lebanese counterpart, the Lebanese government has been issuing visas to the evacuees at the border. Buses have been arranged to transport them to Beirut, where further assistance is being provided.

These updates underscore Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to address international criticisms while ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad and advocating for global humanitarian causes.