ISLAMABAD: British High Commissioner Jane Marriott held a meeting with Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner, Sikander Sultan Raja, where they discussed the importance of free and fair elections. Marriott shared this information on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) and described the meeting as “introductory.”
During the meeting, they emphasized the need for Pakistan to conduct free, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections in accordance with the law. However, she did not respond to questions from reporters who were present outside the commission.
This meeting follows a previous meeting between United States Ambassador Donald Blome and CEC Raja at the Election Commission of Pakistan a few weeks ago. During that meeting, Ambassador Blome emphasized that the Pakistani people should make the decision on Pakistan’s future leaders. He emphasized that the United States remains committed to enhancing the U.S.-Pakistan relationship regardless of the choice made by the Pakistani people.
The U.S. State Department was questioned about the meeting but it declined to provide detailed comments, directing inquiries to the U.S. embassy in Islamabad. They also clarified that the United States does not support any particular political party in Pakistan.
US State Department Clarifies: No Support For Political Parties In Pakistan
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the United States maintains a stance of not endorsing any political party in Pakistan. His statement came in response to inquiries about a meeting between the US Ambassador and the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Pakistan.
Miller reiterated the US position on Pakistan’s general elections, emphasizing their non-partisan stance. He clarified that the United States does not provide support to any specific political group within Pakistan.
Instead, the US focuses on endorsing reforms aimed at promoting economic stability in the country.
It’s worth noting that US Ambassador Donald Blome had earlier assured CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja of his country’s commitment to supporting the fair, free, and transparent conduct of elections in Pakistan.
This affirmation of support underscores the US government’s dedication to the integrity of the electoral process in Pakistan while maintaining its neutral stance towards political parties.
