Pakistani Army Calls Elections Successful; Global Community Demands Transparency

On Saturday, February 10, the Chief of Staff of the Pakistani Army issued a statement urging the people of the country to accept the results of the parliamentary elections and to avoid "chaotic politics." At the same time, the global community condemned the restrictions imposed during the electoral process and called for investigations into reported irregularities. General Asim Munir congratulated the people of Pakistan on holding a "successful election" and stated, "The nation needs strong and healing hands to move away from chaotic politics and polarization, which is not suitable for a progressive 250 million country." This comes as both Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, former Prime Ministers of Pakistan and electoral rivals, claim victory in the elections. On Friday, February 9, Nawaz Sharif announced the victory of his party, the Muslim League, stating that he must form a coalition government with other groups, as his party did not secure the necessary majority to form a government. Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister and imprisoned leader, claimed victory in a video message produced using artificial intelligence and shared on his social media account. According to Reuters, Imran Khan, in this message, rejected Nawaz Sharif's claim of victory and urged his supporters and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, to celebrate their electoral success, stating that this victory was achieved despite the "suppression of his party." Although Imran Khan and his party were barred from participating in the parliamentary elections on Thursday, independent candidates supported by him managed to secure the most seats. Meanwhile, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union expressed their concerns regarding the electoral process in Pakistan on Friday and called for investigations into reported irregularities. The U.S. State Department stated that the United States is ready to work with the next government of Pakistan, regardless of which political party holds power, to advance the mutual interests of the two countries. The statement added, "We join the ranks of credible international and local election observers in their assessment that this election was held alongside undue restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and peaceful association." The statement condemned electoral violence, restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media personnel, and limitations on internet access and telecommunications services, expressing concern over claims of interference in the electoral process. David Cameron, the UK Foreign Secretary, also stated on Friday that there are serious concerns regarding the fairness of the elections following Nawaz Sharif's victory announcement. The European Union, in its statement, called for a thorough and timely investigation into the reported irregularities in the electoral process, also referencing Imran Khan's disqualification from this election and the restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, internet access, and the detention of political activists.