On Saturday, the Foreign Office responded to statements made by certain countries and organizations regarding the February 8, 2024, general elections held throughout Pakistan. The FO expressed surprise at the negative tone of some of these statements, emphasizing that they fail to consider the intricacies of the electoral process and overlook the free and enthusiastic participation of tens of millions of Pakistani voters.
The Foreign Office highlighted that these statements neglect the undeniable fact that Pakistan successfully conducted general elections amidst serious security threats, primarily stemming from foreign-sponsored terrorism. Clarifying misinformation, it noted that there was no nationwide internet shutdown; only mobile services were temporarily suspended to prevent terrorist incidents on polling day. The FO asserted that the electoral process demonstrated that concerns raised by many commentators were unfounded.
Emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to fostering a stable and democratic society, the statement from the FO expressed the value of constructive advice from friends. However, it criticized the negative commentary that emerged before the completion of the electoral process, deeming it neither constructive nor objective. The statement concluded by affirming Pakistan’s dedication to building a vibrant democratic polity, driven by the aspirations of its people and the vision of its founding fathers, irrespective of external concerns.
