ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office responded on Saturday to statements from certain countries and organizations regarding Pakistan’s 2024 general elections held on February 8.
Expressing surprise at the negative tone of some statements, the Foreign Office emphasized that they fail to recognize the complexity of the electoral process and the enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by millions of Pakistanis.
The Foreign Office noted that these statements overlook the fact that Pakistan successfully conducted general elections amid serious security threats, primarily from foreign-sponsored terrorism. Clarifying misinformation, it stated that there was no nationwide internet shutdown, with only mobile services suspended temporarily to prevent terrorist incidents on polling day.
Highlighting the democratic commitment, the statement underlined that Pakistan conducted the polls to build a stable and democratic society. While welcoming constructive advice, the Foreign Office criticized negative commentary before the completion of the electoral process as neither constructive nor objective.
Pakistan remains dedicated to building a vibrant democratic polity, and every election and peaceful transition of power contributes to that goal. The statement concluded by asserting that this commitment stems from the aspirations of the Pakistani people and the vision of the nation’s founding fathers.
A day earlier, the credibility of the elections was questioned by the United States, among other countries.
