While acknowledging the the courage of Pakistani people for their participation in July 25 elections, the United States has said it will look for opportunities to work with the new government to advance security and stability in South Asia.
A State Department spokesperson says Washington is waiting for official results and also expressed concern over reports about restrictions imposed on expression before the nationwide elections.
“We recognize the courage of the Pakistani people, including many women voting for the first time, who participated in this important election and helped determine their country’s future,” a spokesperson said, when asked to comment on the democratic election in Pakistan, considered a key to South Asian stability.
Pakistanis overcame security concerns after terrorist bombings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and voted peacefully in the nationwide elections to the National Assembly – the Lower House of the Parliament.
The unofficial results show Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf as the largest party with 120 seats.
Photo: Jawad Zakariya via Wikimedia Commons
Imran Khan, the PTI leader, who ran on a platform of anti-corruption drive and socioeconomic justice for the disadvantaged populations, remarked in a victory speech that his government would like to pursue “mutually beneficial” relations with the United States.
He also pledged to support efforts toward peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The State Department spokesperson said Washington will look for opportunities with the new government.
“As Pakistan’s elected leaders form a new government, the United States will look for opportunities to work with them to advance our goals of security, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.”
However, the spokesperson said, the U.S. is waiting for official results and also expressed concern over reports of constraints on freedom of expressing in the run up to the election.
“We are awaiting official results from the Electoral Commission of Pakistan and observer missions to release their preliminary findings.
“We are concerned by reports of constraints placed on freedoms of expression, association, and the press leading up to the elections.”
Leaders of Pakistan’s two other large parties, PML(N) and PPP have alleged rigging but the Election Commission of Pakistan has rejected the suggestions and also said it has not received any formal complaints from the parties.
