Pakistan Views

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a resolution condemning the murder of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and reaffirming US commitment to help the country battle terrorism and promote democracy.

It also backed efforts by US “war on terror” ally Pakistan to “expeditiously bring to justice” those behind the assassination, and expressed condolences to the families of Benazir and others killed or injured in the attack at an election rally in Rawalpindi on December 27. The resolution, which “condemns in the strongest terms the assassination,” was approved by a vote of 413 to 0. It was the first piece of legislation to be taken-up and passed by Congress in 2008.

“The United States and the rest of the international community need to do all we can to promote and support Pakistan’s economic, social, and political development to prevent Pakistan from becoming a failed state,” said Democratic lawmaker Gary Ackerman, who proposed the resolution.

The world has “a vital interest in supporting a free, stable and secure Pakistan so as to stem the rise of extremism in South Asia, prevent global acts of terrorism from originating in Pakistan and support the movement toward stable political institutions, democratic values and the rule of law,” he said. The resolution urged the Pakistani government and people to be relentless in their pursuit of a democratically-elected government, including the holding of free and fair elections.

The resolution also expressed support for the freedom of the media, the ability of political parties to express their views without restriction, and the independence of the judiciary in Pakistan.