STATEMENT BY MATTHEW MILLER, SPOKESPERSON
Millions of Pakistanis made their voices heard by voting in Pakistan’s February 8 election, with a record number of Pakistani women, members of religious and ethnic minority groups and young people registered. We commend Pakistan’s election officials, civil society, journalists and election observers for their work to protect and preserve Pakistan’s democratic and electoral institutions. We now expect timely and comprehensive results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people.
We join credible local and international election observers in assessing that these elections included unjustified restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. We condemn election violence, restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks against media professionals, as well as restrictions on Internet access and services. Telecommunications, and We are concerned about allegations of interference in the election process. Allegations of interference or fraud must be fully investigated.
The United States stands ready to work with the next government of Pakistan, regardless of political party, to advance our common interests. We look forward to strengthening our partnership in supporting Pakistan’s economy through trade and investment. We will continue to help Pakistan strengthen its democratic institutions and engage through the United States.-Pakistan Green Alliance framework, expanding people-to-people ties and promoting human rights, including freedom of expression. We are also committed to strengthening security cooperation and creating a safe and secure environment that gives the people of Pakistan the peace, democracy and progress they deserve.
Sub-Editor: Ghufran