Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Announces Response to US Election Probe Resolution In a significant political development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Thursday that Pakistan would draft its own resolution in response to the recent resolution passed by the US House of Representatives regarding the Pakistani elections. The announcement was made during a National Assembly session chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, where Dar addressed the assembly on this pressing issue. The US House Resolution The resolution by the US House of Representatives, which was passed with a significant majority, called for impartial investigations into allegations of irregularities and interference in Pakistan's general elections held on February 8. The resolution expressed concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process in Pakistan, urging a neutral investigation to ensure that the will of the Pakistani people was accurately reflected. Dar's Response In his address, Dar outlined the steps the Pakistani government would take in response to the US resolution. "The Foreign Office has responded effectively to the US House resolution, and we will bring forward our own resolution," he said. Dar emphasized that the draft of the Pakistani resolution was ready and highlighted the government's commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the US. "We have taken notice of the US resolution and will surely respond," Dar continued. This move by the Pakistani government signifies a proactive approach to international scrutiny and a desire to assert its sovereignty in electoral matters. The response aims to counter the narrative set forth by the US resolution and to present Pakistan's stance on the issue of electoral integrity. Electoral Concerns and International Relations The call for impartial investigations by the US has put the spotlight on Pakistan's electoral processes. Allegations of irregularities and interference have been a contentious issue in Pakistan's political landscape, with various parties often questioning the fairness of the elections. The US resolution has added an international dimension to these domestic concerns, prompting a response from the Pakistani government. Dar's announcement reflects a broader strategy to engage with international criticisms while maintaining a firm stance on national sovereignty. By drafting its own resolution, Pakistan aims to showcase its commitment to addressing electoral concerns internally and to highlight any measures taken to ensure transparency and fairness. Cooperation with the Opposition In addition to announcing the drafting of a resolution, Dar extended an invitation to the opposition parties for cooperation on a constitutional amendment to grant voting rights to overseas Pakistanis. "I am ready to discuss giving voting rights to overseas Pakistanis," he said. This proposal aims to include the Pakistani diaspora in the electoral process, thereby enhancing the democratic framework of the country. The inclusion of overseas Pakistanis in the voting process has been a long-standing demand by various stakeholders. Granting voting rights to this significant population could potentially increase voter turnout and ensure that the voices of Pakistanis living abroad are heard in the national political discourse. Broader Implications Dar's announcement and the proposed resolution carry broader implications for Pakistan's political and diplomatic landscape. On the domestic front, the government's response to the US resolution will be closely watched by political parties, civil society, and the general public. It is an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to electoral reforms and to address any genuine concerns about the electoral process. On the international front, Pakistan's response will be a statement of its stance on foreign interference and its approach to handling international criticisms. Engaging with the US resolution through diplomatic channels and presenting a counter-resolution reflects a balanced approach to maintaining international relations while safeguarding national interests. Conclusion The announcement by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to draft a resolution in response to the US House of Representatives' call for an impartial investigation into Pakistan's elections marks a significant development in the country's political landscape. The proactive stance taken by the Pakistani government underscores its commitment to addressing electoral concerns while asserting its sovereignty. By inviting the opposition for cooperation on granting voting rights to overseas Pakistanis, Dar has also opened the door for bipartisan dialogue on enhancing the democratic process. The coming days will reveal how these initiatives unfold and their impact on both domestic and international fronts. As Pakistan navigates this complex political terrain, the focus will remain on ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process that upholds the will of its people.