Millions of Pakistanis made their voices heard by voting in Pakistan’s February 8 elections, with record numbers of Pakistani women, members of religious and ethnic minority groups and young people registered. We commend Pakistani election officials, civil society, journalists and election observers for their work to protect and maintain Pakistan’s democratic and electoral institutions. We now look forward to timely and comprehensive results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people.
We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included unjustified restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks against media professionals, as well as restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunications services, and We are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Allegations of interference or fraud must be fully investigated.
The United States stands ready to work with Pakistan’s next government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared 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, engage in the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance, expand people-to-people ties, and promote human rights, including freedom of speech. expression. We are also committed to strengthening our security cooperation and creating an environment of safety and security that provides the people of Pakistan with the peace, democracy and progress they deserve.