Steps, including curbs on freedom of expression and association taken by authorities in Pakistan ahead of the general election, were at odds with their stated goal of a free, fair and transparent poll, the Trump administration has said.
The development of strong democratic and civilian institutions of governance and a vibrant civil society is critical to Pakistan’s long-term prosperity, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said. “In that context, the United States shares concerns about flaws in the pre-voting electoral process, as expressed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan,” she said.
