Vidushi Vats
The United States has urged Pakistan to conduct elections that are both free and fair, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. This call comes amid uncertainty surrounding the scheduled date for the polls.
President Arif Alvi proposes holding Pakistan elections no later than November 6 in official communication to the election body. This letter was sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). This recommendation stems from the fact that Pakistan’s National Assembly was dissolved on August 9, and according to the stipulated time frame, elections should be held within 90 days after such dissolution.
The elections faced a delay as the Election Commission opted for a new constituency delimitation based on the recent census. President Arif Alvi has now written four letters to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja concerning elections in the country.
In response to a query about the letter, US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller emphasized, “As we do with countries around the world, we urge Pakistan to hold free, fair and timely elections, and to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.”
He further encouraged Pakistani authorities to proceed with the electoral process by Pakistan’s legal framework.
Speaking about the relationship between the US and Pakistan, Mathew Miller stated, “Pakistan is an important partner, and we greatly value the relationship between our countries — both between our two governments and the people-to-people connections.”