ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office has addressed the UN’s concerns regarding terrorist attacks aimed at election campaigns and women’s involvement in the electoral process.
The response came one day after the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed worries about terrorist incidents and the breach of the law mandating political parties to allocate five percent of tickets to women.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that security plans for the nationwide exercise have been finalized in accordance with relevant laws.
The statement emphasized Pakistan’s full dedication to promoting an inclusive democratic process, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms as guaranteed by its laws and Constitution.
Statement by the Spokesperson on the remarks of UN OHCHR regarding the upcoming general elections in Pakistan
https://t.co/YxTHYuXhY3 pic.twitter.com/0GDEjBGn9V
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 7, 2024
Regarding the UN body’s concerns about the “harassment, arrests, and prolonged detentions” of PTI leaders and supporters, the spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan’s judicial system ensures a “fair trial,” with legal recourse available for any electoral process complaints.
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On Tuesday, Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged the government to “maintain the fundamental freedoms essential for an inclusive and meaningful democratic process.”
Throssell emphasized that Pakistan’s democratic achievements over the past 15 years have been hard-won despite numerous security and economic challenges. Elections serve as a crucial moment to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to human rights and democracy, ensuring the participation rights of all citizens, including women and minorities.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
