Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) has reiterated the commitment to fostering an inclusive democratic process amidst concerns raised by the United Nations regarding pre-election violence.
FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch assured that Pakistan has finalized security arrangements by its electoral laws.
The reassurance comes in response to the United Nations' expression of apprehension regarding the escalation of violence leading up to the crucial general elections scheduled for tomorrow, February 8. UN spokesperson Liz Throssell, in a statement issued on Tuesday, condemned acts of violence against political parties and candidates, urging authorities to uphold fundamental freedoms essential for a meaningful democratic process.
Highlighting a series of incidents, Throssell underscored concerns, citing at least 24 instances where armed groups targeted political entities. The UN called upon Pakistani authorities to ensure a fully free and fair electoral process, emphasizing the importance of a democratic environment that safeguards all rights.
In response, Baloch affirmed Pakistan's commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and ensuring an inclusive democratic process as enshrined in the nation's laws and Constitution.
🔊 Statement by the Spokesperson on the remarks of UN OHCHR regarding the upcoming general elections in Pakistan
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 7, 2024
🔗⬇️https://t.co/YxTHYuXhY3 pic.twitter.com/0GDEjBGn9V
She further stated that comprehensive security measures have been finalized to facilitate the smooth conduct of the February 8 polls, emphasizing the availability of domestic legal remedies for addressing electoral grievances.
However, amidst preparations for the elections, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terror attacks targeting electioneering activities and candidates. Past election campaigns have been marred by violence, with numerous incidents of bombings and gun attacks targeting candidates and voters.
Recent attacks
Several political parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), National Party (NP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP), and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have been subject to attacks on their campaign activities.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) recently postponed elections in the NA-8 and PK-22 constituencies following the tragic assassination of independent candidate Rehan Zeb Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur district. Additionally, violent clashes between political parties and law enforcement have further heightened tensions.
In a recent incident, PTI workers clashed with police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Karak district, resulting in injuries to at least two individuals. Earlier confrontations between PPP and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) workers in Karachi have also led to casualties and injuries.
