Jalil Afridi
Washington DC: The US State Department released its statement on recent elections in Pakistan. According to the statement, the U.S. “commend Pakistani poll workers, civil society, journalists and election observers for their work to protect and uphold Pakistan’s democratic and electoral institutions.”
“Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated” the statement adds.
The statement further added that the U.S. looks forward to timely, complete results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people.
The statement further adds that the recent elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. “We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process.
The United States is prepared to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared interests.
