UN 'committed to continue to support' Pak EC, says Antonio Guterres

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “looks forward” to the new government in Pakistan under cricketer turned politician and emphasised on the world body’s commitment to support the nation’s Election Commission amid allegations of vote rigging by the opposition.

Guterres congratulated the people of Pakistan for “exercising their constitutional right to vote” during the general elections on July 25 and displaying their commitment to a democratic Pakistan.

In a statement issued on Friday by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Guterres stated Pakistan’ EC “for the organisation of the elections, noting positive initiatives related to training and efforts to enhance the inclusion of women, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups, as well as first-time voters, in the electoral process.”

He added that the UN was committed to continue to support the Election Commission, as the opposition parties said they are rejecting the results alleging vote rigging.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, the party headed by former Pakistan cricket team’s skipper Imran Khan, has emerged as the single largest party.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and some other political parties at meeting on Friday rejected the results of elections and demanded re-election alleging rigging.

However, Khan claimed victory and said he will probe the allegations of rigging after coming to power.

The UN secretary general’s spokesperson said Guterres was looking forward to the formation of the new government and “wishes it success in providing the people of Pakistan a stable, democratic, and prosperous future.”

(With inputs from PTI)