WASHINGTON: The United States administration asserts that the people of Pakistan should have the freedom to choose their leader without fear of reprisal or violence. This statement comes in the wake of the condemnation of the Sibi blast, which resulted in the death of four individuals and the injury of six.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed the commitment to collaborate with Pakistan in addressing the shared threat posed by terrorist groups in the region. Miller emphasized support for the Pakistani Government’s efforts in combating terrorism.
The explosion occurred at GPO Chowk in Balochistan’s Sibi after a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) cavalcade passed through the area on Tuesday. With general elections scheduled for February 8, the US strongly condemns any violence that undermines the electoral process.
Extending sympathies to those affected by the attack near the PTI rally, Miller expressed confidence in the resilience of the Pakistani people. He noted the frequency of attacks in the past month against various political parties in Pakistan, highlighting instances of the Election Commission of Pakistan being targeted in multiple locations.
In related news, the Ahmadiyya community has decided not to participate in the 2024 elections, citing religious discrimination. Additionally, PTI candidate Rehan Zeb Khan was tragically killed in Bajaur.
Amid concerns over potential internet outages during the elections, the government’s response, including the possibility of blocking certain apps, is being explored.
As the law and order situation deteriorates in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leading up to the 2024 general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan has called for an emergency meeting on Thursday, February 1. In response to queries regarding the arrest of several PTI workers, Miller reiterated the US’s longstanding desire to witness free and fair elections in Pakistan.
