‘Regrettable’ that people were restricted in their choice: Australia on Pakistan election 2024

The Australian government has expressed disappointment after people were restricted in their choice of political parties in the recently concluded Pakistan election 2024.

Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was stripped off its iconic symbol ” bat” just days before the February 08 polls. Doing so their candidates were left with not choice but were forced to take part in the polls independently.

“It is regrettable, however, that Pakistani people were restricted in their choice, since not all political parties were allowed to contest the election,” reads the statement shared on X by Neil Hawkins, Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan.

It, however, welcomed the “increase in the number of women registered to vote and the fact that millions of Pakistanis chose to vote”.

“Australia supports a democratic, stable and prosperous Pakistan which upholds its commitments to democratic principles including human rights, media freedoms, freedom of expression, and freedom of association,” the statement said.

Moreover, the Australian government also expressed condolences for the loss of life incurred by terrorist attack in the lead-up to during elections.

Statement from the Australian Government Regarding #PakistanElections2024 https://t.co/6MPiCN5aNV pic.twitter.com/RqRtoynpnL

— Neil Hawkins (@AusHCPak) February 10, 2024