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Democracy Under Scrutiny: The Intriguing Tale of Pakistan’s Contested Elections

65c6236e5a035 Pakistan ElectionsPakistan Election 2024 News in Hindi: The Controversial Journey of PTI and Imran Khan’s Detainment

In the aftermath of the recent general elections in Pakistan, a seismic shift occurred as the prominent political party, PTI, faced a ban, leading to the imprisonment of its leader, Imran Khan. This unprecedented event has sent shockwaves across the globe, with countries like the United States, Britain, Canada, and several Western nations raising continuous questions about the election results. The ensuing criticism has put Pakistan under scrutiny. In response, Pakistan stated on Thursday, asserting that its parliamentary elections are an internal matter, requiring no external intervention.

Democratic Freedom in Pakistan

Foreign Ministry’s Stand

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, claimed that Pakistan is a democratic nation, and millions of voters participated in the general elections. Baloch, during a weekly media briefing, emphasized that Pakistan takes its constitutional responsibilities seriously and its citizens are free to enjoy the rights of freedom and democracy.

She stated firmly, “Every step taken in this regard by Pakistan aligns with its constitutional duties and remains unaffected by external advice.” The spokesperson also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to transparency in the electoral process, inviting foreign observers, including a delegation from the international community, to ensure fairness.

Concerns and Allegations

Potential Military Involvement

There are growing concerns, voiced by various think tanks, international media organizations, and the United Nations, about alleged irregularities during the voting on February 8. Critics have condemned the reported irregularities and the delayed announcement of election results. The prolonged uncertainty has prevented the formation of a new government in Pakistan, raising the possibility of a powerful military-backed coalition behind the scenes.

Both the United States and the European Union have expressed worries, urging a comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities, fraud, and manipulative activities. British Foreign Minister David Cameron and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have echoed similar sentiments, advocating for a thorough examination.

International Response and Diplomacy

ICJ’s Perspective

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICJ) released a report suggesting that the tumultuous elections in Pakistan might hinder stability. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Pakistan on Monday to resolve post-election situations legally. However, the United Nations Mission on the ground labeled some aspects of the electoral process as satisfactory in its initial report.

In the midst of the global uproar surrounding Pakistan’s 2024 elections, the country remains adamant about handling its internal matters independently. The intricate balance between democratic processes and allegations of irregularities will undoubtedly shape Pakistan’s political landscape in the coming days.