A file photo of US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Michael Posner. PHOTO: AFP
The United States said on Friday that it wanted to see parliamentary polls take place on time in Pakistan amid growing fears that the process could be hit by delays.
US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Michael Posner met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Fakhruddin Ebrahim on Friday and voiced strong support for a democratically elected civilian government in Pakistan going forward.
Posner also discussed election preparations with the CEC.
Posner, wrapping up his two-day trip, also discussed human rights issues with Pakistani authorities , including ways to address challenges to religious freedom and an accountability mechanism to help ensure the respect and protection of human rights, according to a statement issued by the US Embassy.
“We look forward to timely, free, and fair elections that will result in the first civilian democratic transition in Pakistan’s history,” he added.
Posner also met with the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Human Rights, Mustafa Khokhar and Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Harmony, Dr Paul Bhatti.
A US diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity said Washington’s concerns about human rights violations were well documented. The diplomat added that the US was concerned over extrajudicial killings and religious intolerance in Pakistan.
In an annual report on human rights, the US State Department said that the “most serious human rights’ problems” in Pakistan included extrajudicial killings, torture and disappearances by both security forces and terrorists. “Lack of government accountability remains a pervasive problem. Abuses often went unpunished, fostering a culture of impunity,” the report read.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2013.
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@ Naseer Ahmad, why don't you mention Ayub khan who pardoned Maududi on friendly muslim country's intervention...probably your target is PPP, hence selective pick...foreign relations is not your cup of tea.
only US can save us from new saviors who want technocrat's government.
@Jat When the opposition parties under the banner of Pakistan National Alliance rejected the polls results of 1977 election and started violent agitation, the sitting PPP elected government requested the brother Muslim country you mentioned for a mediator,s role in the talks being held between the government and opposition.Hence the door of direct foreign intervention in our internal affairs was formally opened which was hitherto non intrusive.
“We look forward to timely, free, and fair elections that will result in the first civilian democratic transition in Pakistan’s history,” . Anyone else who made this statement would get Kudos - but in Pakistan you get nothing but anti American blather. FYI the USA is the longest standing Democracy in the World and must be doing something right - support for your first successful civilian govt transition seems like a good thing.
we also want timely election but who is this guy to tell us that? mind ur own business Mr. whatever and leave us alone
Pakistan is a sovereign country with great honor and dignity. Only Tom, Dick and Harry from United States, China and Saudi Arabia can dictate terms to Pakistan's election commission.
Its not Posner's business to comment on timely elections. CEC. shoul not be holding meetings with him.
This is a direct, open-ended, and unrestricted interference in our national affairs. Go home and restrict yourself to controlling the NRA and violence against Muslims in America. Salams 2013