UN rights body expresses concern over violence against political parties ahead of Pakistan elections News
Voice of America, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
UN rights body expresses concern over violence against political parties ahead of Pakistan elections

The United Nations voiced concern Tuesday over ‘harassment’ and acts of violence against members of the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) party ahead of Pakistan’s elections on Thursday. UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk urged authorities to use these elections as an opportunity to “recommit to the democratic process.”

UN rights spokesperson Liz Throssell, speaking in a Geneva press briefing, stated, “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 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) announced that 24 reports of attacks by armed groups against politicians have been made. These actions violate Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which provides everyone with the right to take part in the government of their country.

The former Prime Minister Imran Khan is ineligible to run as a candidate for the upcoming elections. Several criminal cases have been brought against Imran Khan, and he has received lengthy prison terms as a result. The UN has reminded courts of the need to review these decisions in the light of fair trial rights. In January, Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison on corruption charges and 10 years for revealing state secrets. He was also sentenced to 7 years on Saturday for “unlawful marriage.” However, Khan’s party described the convictions as “part of dirty back door deals.”

Spokesperson Liz Throssell also highlighted issues with the number of female representatives, as some parties have failed to meet quotas for the number of women on their party lists.

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