U.S. Expresses Concerns Over Pakistan’s Electoral Process

The United States is closely monitoring Pakistan’s upcoming general elections, expressing concerns over infringements on freedom of expression, assembly, and association. U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasized the importance of facilitating broad participation in the electoral process while upholding fundamental rights.

The U.S. voiced apprehensions regarding incidents of violence, restrictions on media freedom, and internet censorship, underscoring the need for free and fair elections devoid of fear or intimidation. Despite Pakistan’s scheduled elections on February 8, reports from The New York Times, Foreign Policy, and The Washington Post depict a political landscape marred by crackdowns and military influence, raising doubts about the credibility of the electoral process.

The military’s alleged intervention and sidelining of political opposition have drawn criticism, with concerns over the fairness and transparency of the election mounting both domestically and internationally.