General elections: FO says borders with Afghanistan and Iran will stay blocked

The general election’s security measures will prevent both freight and pedestrians from crossing the border with Afghanistan and Iran on Thursday, February 8, according to a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, stated on Wednesday.

“Border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran would remain closed for both cargo and pedestrian traffic during the general elections that will take place in Pakistan on February 8, 2024, to guarantee complete security.” On February 9, 2024, regular operations would resume, according to a FO spokesperson.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokeswoman for the Foreign Office, responded to the UN’s comments over the general elections by stating that Pakistan has completed its security plans in accordance with its electoral laws.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights voiced alarm about violent incidents the day before the general elections, which are scheduled for today, February 8. In a statement, spokeswoman Liz Throssell said, “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.”

The UN spokesperson called on the authorities to “ensure a fully free and fair vote and to recommit to the democratic process and an environment that promotes and protects the full range of economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights” in her statement, stressing that there have been “no less than 24” incidents in which armed groups have targeted political parties.

“Pakistan is fully committed to fostering an inclusive democratic process, upholding the rule of law, and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed in its laws and Constitution,” Baloch responded in her statement. She added that security arrangements for the elections on February 8 had been finalized and that Pakistan’s legal system guarantees due process and a fair trial. The FO spokeswoman stated, “Domestic legal remedies are available in case of any complaints in the electoral process.”