By NNN-APP
Washington : The House of Representatives adopted a resolution condemning the tragic assassination of ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto and reaffirming US support for Pakistan in combating terrorism.
The bipartisan measure, which was unanimously adopted, also commended the Pakistani government’s decision to get Scotland Yard’s help in probing last month’s assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
The resolution was tabled by Congressman Gary Ackerman, who chairs the House subcommittee on Foreign Affairs for South Asia, was co-sponsored by 16 other members from both Democratic and Republican parties.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a number of members of Congress paid tribute to the slain Pakistani leader as a “beacon of democracy, courageous human being, peacemaker and a hope for the Muslim world” and said the way to honor her legacy is development of democracy in Pakistan.
Co-chair of Congressional Pakistan Caucus Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Representative Zach Wamp (R-Tennessee), Rep Mike Pence (R-Indiana), Rep Ted Poe (R-Texas), Rep Patrick Kennedy (R-Rhode Island) and Rep Ileane Ros-Lehtiran (R-Miami) spoke in favor of the resolution as they underlined the need to combat challenges of extremism and voiced support for advancement of democracy in Pakistan.
The lawmakers expressed support for Pakistan’s pursuit of those responsible for the killing of Pakistan’s former prime minister and offered condolences to the Bhutto family and other families affected by the Dec. 27, 2007 tragedy.
It “commends the government of Pakistan for accepting” Scotland Yard expertise in the investigation and “welcomes the provision of assistance by the United Kingdom.”
The legislators also voiced support for “efforts by Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice those who have perpetrated this cruel and cowardly attack.”
The bipartisan measure “urges the people and Government of Pakistan to be relentless in its pursuit of a democratically-elected government, including the holding of free and fair elections.”
The resolution reaffirms the United States’ commitment to assist the people of Pakistan in combating terrorism moving forward as an open and democratic country.