Pakistan (Commonwealth Union)_ The US State Department has expressed concerns regarding challenges to freedom observed during Pakistan’s ongoing electoral process. The United States, a major ally of Islamabad, has expressed concerns over the South Asian nation’s vulnerability to violence and restrictions on freedom ahead of the upcoming elections. During a press briefing, deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasized the importance of facilitating broad participation in the electoral process while respecting freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
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Patel said, “We want to see that process take place in a way that facilitates broad participation with respect for freedom of expression, assembly, and association.” Additionally, Patel also raised apprehensions about incidents of violence and restrictions on freedom of press, freedom of expression, including internet freedom, and peaceful assembly and association. He further stated, “We are concerned by some of the infringements that we have seen in that space.”
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Underscoring the importance of safeguarding citizens’ rights, Patel emphasized that Pakistanis have the right to exercise their fundamental right to elect their future leaders through free and impartial elections devoid of any form of fear, violence, or intimidation. Moreover, the ultimate decision about Pakistan’s political trajectory rests with its populace. Further, the US State Department maintains a vigilant stance throughout the electoral process, placing significant emphasis on the criticality of a democratic and inclusive procedure that upholds fundamental liberties.
Pakistan, with a population of over 241 million, is scheduled to hold general elections on February 8. Rights activists have voiced concerns about political matters and violence in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). In response to questions about the electoral process, Patel stated that the US is closely monitoring Pakistan’s electoral process and emphasized the importance of facilitating broad participation while respecting freedom of expression, assembly, and association. Ahead of the polls, the US urged American citizens in Pakistan to maintain vigilance throughout the general elections.
