The Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has expressed regret over the denial of meaningful participation by all political parties and candidates in the recent general elections in Pakistan.
Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) said, “While I applaud those in Pakistan who voted in the electoral process this week, these long-overdue elections have had a tragic impact on the actions that have taken place across all political parties and Prevented meaningful participation of candidates.” A statement Released on Saturday.
“I strongly condemn the deadly bomb blasts at election campaign offices in Balochistan and express my condolences to the victims and their families. These attacks must be investigated and the perpetrators held accountable,” he said in the statement available on the committee’s website.
Senator Cardin said that as Pakistan’s leaders move to form a new government, they will continue to discuss issues that matter to Pakistanis, from promoting democracy and human rights in the country to addressing challenges related to climate change and sustainable energy. Affect people most directly.
“I look forward to continuing to explore opportunities where the United States and Pakistan can advance our shared goals of security, stability, and prosperity throughout South Asia,” he said.
A day earlier, Western capitals had questioned “unfair restrictions” imposed during the February 8 elections in Pakistan and expressed concern over allegations of vote rigging, but promised to work with whoever forms the next government. .
Reading The government rejected the allegations and claimed neutrality.
The United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, in separate statements, called on relevant Pakistani authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation into all alleged irregularities in Thursday’s elections.
FO ‘surprised’ in negative tone
Responding to the criticism, the Foreign Office earlier today said it was “surprised” by the negative tone of some statements by foreign countries and organizations on the February 8 general elections in Pakistan.
In a statement, the FO said it had “taken note” of such statements.
“We are surprised by the negative tone of some of these statements, which neither take into account the complexity of the electoral process nor acknowledge the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by millions of Pakistanis,” the FO statement said. Are.” Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
The spokesperson said the statements “ignore” the fact that Pakistan had held peaceful and successful elections while mitigating “serious security threats posed primarily by foreign-sponsored terrorism”.
