The United States Congress in its house resolution 901, stated support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan shows Islamabad’s decreasing relevance for Washington. The resolution highlights several key points regarding the political situation and human rights issues in Pakistan. The move was not welcomed in Islamabad’s powerful quarters as federal ministers lashed out at the US calling the resolution ‘an unwarranted interference’ in Pakistan’s internal matters. The congressional acrobatics do point towards America’s hypocrisy if observed through a neutral lens. Never has the US Congress been this vocal about past or ongoing genocides around the world happening under US’s watch, or the military takeovers and coups in South America which the US sees as its backyard. US’s voice for democracy seems to go feeble where its strategic interests come face to face. However, the Resolution in question does point out the fact that Pakistan has lost relevance as a key player in US’s strategic interests.

The resolution acknowledges Pakistan’s role as a signatory to international human rights agreements, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It raises concerns about the 2024 general elections in Pakistan, citing allegations of electoral interference, violence, and restrictions on freedoms such as expression and assembly. These issues were noted by international observers and the US State Department, which called for investigations into the alleged irregularities​. The resolution also condemns various human rights abuses reported in Pakistan, including unlawful killings, forced disappearances, and restrictions on the media and freedom of assembly​. It affirms the US’s commitment to supporting democratic processes in Pakistan and urges the Pakistani government to uphold democratic institutions and human rights. Such resolutions were never seen during Gen. Musharraf’s dictatorship, a time when the US required Islamabad’s cooperation to achieve its objectives in Afghanistan. Pakistan ruled by a military dictator was even termed as a major ‘non-NATO ally’ by none other than President George W. Bush himself.

Pakistan’s response to US Congress Resolution 901, which called for a full and independent investigation into alleged irregularities in the country’s February 2024 elections, has been one of strong condemnation. The Pakistani government has criticized the resolution as a misunderstanding of the country’s political landscape and electoral processes. The Foreign Office emphasized that the timing and context of the resolution do not align with the positive dynamics of US-Pakistan bilateral relations. She stated that the resolution stems from an incomplete understanding of Pakistan’s political situation and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to constitutionalism, human rights, and the rule of law. In addition, the National Assembly of Pakistan passed a counter-resolution denouncing the US resolution, further highlighting the strain it has put on diplomatic relations​. Such resolutions from national legislatures do not come with any binding effect, but they do have symbolic meanings. The abrogation of Article 370 by the Indian government and the lock down of IIOJK that followed was not met with stern congressional resolutions, the reason being India’s growing trade with the US, and its strategic relevance for the west in its Asia Pacific endeavours.

Pakistan’s economic woes and the international backlash on obvious electoral frauds and human rights abuses may be attributed to Islamabad’s diminishing strategic relevance in Washington. Ever since the start of cold war, Pakistan has used its vital strategic location to attract the attention of world powers. Where this approach brought wars and conflicts to our doorstep, it also gave coalition support funds and inflow of US dollars that kept our economy going for decades. Post Afghanistan withdrawal, the focus of global order had moved back towards Europe and the Middle East, and Pakistan today seems to be neglected and irrelevant with the least international attention. In a scenario like this, US based pressure groups are enough to compel the US congressmen to take stern measures against any human rights violations or threats to democracy. Losing strategic relevance could have been seen by Islamabad as an opportunity to reimagine Pakistan. Rethinking the domestic social order that is self sufficient and impenetrable by foreign influence.

The state in which Pakistan currently finds itself is far from positive. A country that has totally surrendered to international lenders, where inflation is at its peak, where cries of electoral frauds and human rights violations are taking place against one particular political faction are echoing loudly. In the 21^st century, no matter how much money is spent on bringing in firewalls to prevent the flow of information outside Pakistan, word will still find a way to reach all corners of the world. Pakistan is not North Korea. The only loser in this case will be Pakistan itself. This is an opportunity for those in the corridors of power to find some sense and take this ‘irrelevance’ as an opportunity to reimagine a democratic and inclusive Pakistan. A country that is sustainable and has a strong lasting system is what is needed. Its now or never.