Pakistan defends election conduct amid criticism, asserts curbs vital

Pakistan election results 2024 (AP)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan responded strongly to criticism regarding the conduct of its parliamentary elections, which took place amidst sporadic militant attacks and a complete shutdown of mobile phone services. The Foreign Ministry defended the vote, stating that it was peaceful and successful.
The US State Department expressed concern about the elections, citing restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.Similarly, the European Union expressed regret over the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to participate in the elections.
In response to these statements, the ministry expressed surprise at the negative tone and highlighted the complexity of the electoral process. It emphasized the millions of Pakistanis who exercised their right to vote freely and enthusiastically.
The ministry also pointed out that Pakistan successfully held general elections despite serious security threats from foreign-sponsored terrorism. It clarified that there was no nationwide internet shutdown, only a suspension of mobile services to prevent terrorist incidents on polling day.
In the election results, no political party secured a simple majority. Independent candidates supported by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan emerged as frontrunners in the vote count. As a result, Nawaz Sharif, the three-time premier and Khan’s main rival, announced plans to form a coalition government. Khan himself was disqualified from running due to criminal convictions.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, led by Imran Khan, secured 100 out of the 266 available seats in the National Assembly. The Pakistan Muslim League party, led by Nawaz Sharif, won 71 seats.
Additionally, on Saturday, a clash in North Waziristan resulted in the leader of a political party being wounded and two police officers losing their lives. The violence erupted when Mohsin Dawar and his supporters attempted to march towards an army facility, protesting the delay in announcing the election result.