General elections: Border crossings with Afghanistan, Iran to remain closed: FO

ISLAMABAD: Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said on Wednesday that the border crossing with Afghanistan and Iran would remain closed both for cargo and pedestrians on Thursday (Feb 8) owing to the security of the general election.

“To ensure full security during the general elections to be held in Pakistan on 8 Feb 2024, border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran would remain closed both for cargo and pedestrians. Normal operations would resume on 9 Feb 2024,” the FO spokeswoman said.

Meanwhile, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch responded to the remarks made by the United Nations regarding the general elections, saying that Pakistan has finalised the security plans as per its electoral laws.

A day earlier, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over violent incidents ahead of the upcoming general elections set to take place on February 8 (today). “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,” Spokesperson Liz Throssell said in a statement.

In her statement, the UN spokesperson underscored that “no less than 24” incidents have occurred where armed groups have targeted political parties and 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 response, Baloch in her statement said: “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.” She said security plans have also been finalised to hold the February 8 polls, adding that Pakistan’s judicial system provides for fair trial and due process. “Domestic legal remedies are available in case of any complaints in the electoral process,” said the FO spokesperson.