A UN human rights body denounces PTI leaders’ “harassment and detentions” ahead of elections

Ahead of Pakistan’s parliamentary election, which is set for this Thursday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights voiced concern on Tuesday. She emphasized the need to protect fundamental freedoms for a democratic process and urged authorities to denounce any acts of violence against political parties and candidates.

According to a statement released by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Liz Throssell, “there have been no fewer than 24 reported instances in which armed groups have staged attacks against members of political parties in the lead-up to the vote.”

She recognized the difficulties Pakistan has had in the last fifteen years to hold onto its democratic victories in the face of economic and security obstacles.

Throssell emphasized that elections are an important opportunity to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to democracy and human rights, guaranteeing the right of all citizens, especially women and minorities, to participate in politics.

“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,” stated Throssell.

She emphasized the various court proceedings that former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan faced, which resulted in his disqualification from running for office and his lengthy prison sentences. Throssell stressed the necessity for a fair competition among all qualified parties and encouraged higher courts to carefully consider these decisions in accordance with the rights to due process and a fair trial as well as Pakistan’s international human rights duties.

Concerns were also voiced by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding obstacles that minority groups, especially the Ahmadis, and women confront during the electoral process. Certain political parties don’t seem to have reached the required number of female candidates, even though the National Assembly has designated seats for women.

Throssell brought up the separate voter lists for Ahmadis, which put them at risk of violence and harassment in violation of the equal rights for minorities stipulated in Pakistan’s Constitution.

Throssell issued a call to action, pleading with Pakistani authorities to guarantee a completely free and fair election on behalf of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

Reaffirming one’s commitment to democracy and fostering an atmosphere that upholds and defends a wide range of rights—including the interrelated civil, political, social, cultural, and economic rights—were key points of emphasis in the declaration.

The appeal is made at a time when the world community is paying careful attention to the nation’s election process.