Islamabad, 10 February 2024 (TDI): The spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan in a statement on Saturday, denounced negative comments from different countries and organizations made on Pakistan’s general elections held on February 8.
The statement included that, “we have taken note of statements from certain countries and organizations on the general elections held in Pakistan on 8 February 2024.” In addition, the countries and organizations’ negative tone of the statements surprised the foreign office.
In fact, it said that the statements did not take into account the complexity of the electoral process, nor acknowledge the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistani citizens.
Furthermore, it stated that the statements ignored the undeniable fact that Pakistan held general elections, peacefully and successfully while dealing with serious threats resulting primarily from foreign sponsored terrorism.
Dissecting misconceptions surrounding general elections
Highlighting the credibility of the statements made, the Foreign Office clarified that some of the statements are not even factual. It said that the country did not experience a nationwide internet shutdown.
Continuing the remarks, mobile services were suspended for the day to avoid terrorist incidents on the polling day, the elections exercise has demonstrated that the concerns of many commentators were misplaced.
Moreover, the Foreign Office said that Pakistan held the elections as part of its commitment to building a stable and democratic society.
“While we value constructive advice from our friends, making negative commentary even before the completion of the electoral process is neither constructive nor objective”, statement added.
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Lastly, the Foreign Office reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to work towards building a vibrant democratic polity. Every election and peaceful transition of power brings us closer to that goal.
Also, we do this not on account of the concerns expressed by others but because that is the aspiration of our people and the vision of our founding fathers.
