Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) has reiterated its commitment to support an inclusive democratic process amid concerns expressed by the United Nations over pre-election violence.
FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch assured that Pakistan has completed security measures with its election laws.
The assurances come in response to UN expressions of concern about escalating violence leading up to key general elections scheduled for tomorrow, February 8. In a statement issued on Tuesday, UN spokeswoman Liz Throssell condemned acts of violence against political parties and candidates, urging authorities to uphold basic freedoms necessary for a meaningful democratic process.
Throssell highlighted a number of incidents and highlighted the concerns, citing at least 24 instances of armed groups targeting political entities. The UN called on the Pakistani authorities to ensure a fully free and fair electoral process, stressing the importance of a democratic environment that protects all rights.
In response, Baloch affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to uphold the rule of law, protect human rights and ensure an inclusive democratic process as enshrined in national laws and the constitution.
She further stated that comprehensive security measures had been completed to facilitate the smooth conduct of the February 8 elections, while emphasizing the availability of domestic legal remedies to address election complaints.
However, in the midst of election preparations, Pakistan witnessed an increase in terrorist attacks targeting election activities and candidates. Past election campaigns have been marred by violence, with numerous bombings and shootings targeting candidates and voters.
Recent attacks
Several political parties including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), National Party (NP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP) and Pakistan the Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) came under attack on their campaign.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) recently postponed the elections in NA-8 and PK-22 constituencies following the tragic assassination of independent candidate Rehan Zeb Khan in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In addition, violent clashes between political parties and law enforcement agencies further increased tensions.
In a recent incident, PTI workers clashed with police in Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in injuries to at least two persons. Earlier confrontations between PPP and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) workers in Karachi also resulted in casualties and injuries.
