ISLAMABAD: Pakistan responded strongly to criticism in connection with the holding of its parliamentary elections, which were held amid sporadic militant attacks and a complete shutdown of mobile phone services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the vote, saying it was peaceful and successful.
The US State Department expressed concern about the elections, citing restrictions on the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly. Similarly, the European Union lamented the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to participate in the elections.
In response to these statements, the ministry was surprised by the negative tone and highlighted the complexity of the electoral process. He highlighted the millions of Pakistanis who exercised their right to vote freely and enthusiastically.
The ministry also noted that Pakistan successfully held general elections despite serious security threats from foreign-sponsored terrorism. He clarified that there was no nationwide Internet blackout, only a suspension of mobile services to avoid terrorist incidents on election day.
In the electoral results, no political party obtained a simple majority. Independent candidates supported by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan emerged as favorites in the vote count. As a result, Nawaz Sharif, three-time prime minister and Khan’s main rival, announced plans to form a coalition government. Khan himself was disqualified from running due to criminal convictions.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, led by Imran Khan, won 100 of the 266 seats available in the National Assembly. The Pakistan Muslim League party, led by Nawaz Sharif, won 71 seats.
Additionally, on Saturday, a clash in North Waziristan left a political party leader injured and two police officers killed. Violence broke out when Mohsin Dawar and his followers attempted to march towards a military installation, protesting the delay in announcing the election result.