ISLAMABAD: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) on Tuesday expressed concern over the pattern of harassment, arrests, and prolonged detentions of political leaders especially that of the PTI during the election period ahead of the parliamentary election scheduled for Thursday.
“Ahead of Thursday’s parliamentary election in Pakistan, we deplore all acts of violence against political parties and candidates, and urge the authorities to uphold the fundamental freedoms necessary for an inclusive and meaningful democratic process,” Liz Throssell, the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement.
“We expect the higher courts will carefully review these conclusions in line with applicable due process and fair trial rights,” the statement said, adding that “all eligible parties must be able to compete fairly.”
“In the run-up to the vote, there have been no less than 24 reported instances in which armed groups have staged attacks against members of political parties,” Liz Throssell noted.
Throssell emphasised the significance of elections as a moment to reaffirm the country’s commitment to human rights and democracy, ensuring the right to participation for all citizens, including women and minorities.
“We are disturbed by the pattern of harassment, arrests, and prolonged detentions of leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and their supporters during the election period,” said Throssell.
She highlighted multiple legal cases against former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, which led to his disqualification as a candidate and sentencing to long prison terms. Throssell urged higher courts to carefully review these conclusions in line with due process and fair trial rights and Pakistan’s international human rights obligations, emphasising the need for a fair competition among all eligible parties.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also raised concerns about barriers faced by women and minority communities in the election process. Despite reserved seats for women in the National Assembly, some parties appear not to have met the legal quota for women candidates.
As a call to action, Throssell, on behalf of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, appealed to Pakistani authorities to ensure a fully free and fair vote.
The statement emphasised the importance of recommitting to the democratic process and creating an environment that promotes and protects a comprehensive range of rights, including economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights, all of which are interconnected.
The appeal comes as the international community closely watches the unfolding electoral process in the country.
