Washington, 4 Sep, 2023 (GNP): The lead US diplomat for South and Central Asian affairs, Elizabeth Horst stated that Pakistani institutions have to do the task through the electoral process in consultation with the political parties to guarantee fair and free public polls in the country.
Horst said, “We feel very strongly that Pakistan’s future leadership is for the Pakistani people to decide, that the Pakistani people deserve their day at the polls. Pakistani institutions need to work through that process in consultation with the political parties.”
Reportedly, while responding to a query, she commented, “We want to see the (electoral) process advance in a way that facilitates broad participation, with respect for freedom of expression, assembly, and association.”
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Meanwhile, the US diplomat was asked if the US intends to bear the strong call for conducting general elections now, to which she responded, “It’s important to keep in mind that the electoral process is being overseen and administered by Pakistani institutions. Our interest is in the democratic process.”
“We want to see elections that are free and fair and conducted in accordance with Pakistan’s laws and constitution,” Horst added.
Regarding a course of action to stop violation of rights, the US diplomat for South and Central Asian affairs remarked, “Respect for human rights features prominently in US assistance to Pakistan, not only in our development assistance programs but also in our security and law enforcement cooperation.”
Moreover, while describing US interests in supporting human rights she said, “Our senior officials routinely raise human rights issues with Pakistani counterparts. That includes Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Acting Deputy Secretary Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary Lu, and US Ambassador Donald Blome.”
Furthermore, Horst asserted that Ambassador Blome has highlighted this matter in the meeting with the officials of the caretaker government, along with interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar.
Additionally, she mentioned that the United States, “has and will continue to raise … our concerns about restrictions on free speech and a free press, including threats and harassment of journalists and their families,” with the government of Pakistan.
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The US diplomat declared that the US authorities will continue to talk over problems such as, “censorship of criticism of the military and armed forces, restrictions on freedom of movement, defamation, and blasphemy laws, and use of local law and regulation to silence independent media by suspending licenses,” with Pakistani officials.
“As I mentioned before, we have and will continue to raise these concerns with the government of Pakistan. Free, independent media is a key pillar of every democratic society,” she added.
Horst also noted that the other subjects of concern that are discussed in bilateral meetings regularly with Pakistani counterparts include, “freedom … for peaceful assembly and association, especially in the lead-up to national elections.”
