The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights earlier called on Pakistani authorities to ensure the upcoming elections scheduled for February 8th are ‘free and fair’.
The appeal came amidst concerns over the harassment and detention of political leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in the lead-up to the elections.However, Pakistan has strongly dismissed the UN body’s concerns regarding the escalating political tensions and harassment of political workers ahead of polls.
UN’s concern over political harassment
Earlier this week, the UN body urged Pakistani authorities to condemn all acts of violence against political parties and candidates and emphasized the need to uphold fundamental freedoms for a democratic process.
Unfortunately, despite Pakistan’s commitment to promoting an inclusive democratic process and upholding the rule of law, the country has faced challenges in maintaining its democratic gains amidst security and economic hurdles.
In recent days, multiple legal cases against former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan led to his disqualification as a candidate and sentencing him to long prison terms.
Regarding the matter, the UN has also urged higher courts to carefully review these conclusions in line with due process and fair trial rights and Pakistan’s international human rights obligations, emphasizing the need for fair competition among all eligible parties.
Moreover, the UN raised concerns about barriers faced by women and minority communities, particularly the Ahmadis, in the election process.
Also read: Behind Closed Doors: The Intricate Web Of Imran Khan’s Ongoing Legal Saga
Despite reserved seats for women in the National Assembly, some parties appear not to have met the legal quota for female candidates.Separate voter lists for Ahmadis expose them to harassment and violence, contrary to the equal rights guaranteed to minorities in Pakistan’s Constitution.
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