US seeks fair elections both in Bangladesh, Pakistan

Staff Reporter  :
Ahead of the 12th parliamentary election on January 7, the United States imposed a visa restriction policy targeting individuals posing a threat to the democratic electoral process.

However, as of now, no similar measures have been declared for the upcoming Pakistani election scheduled for February. The matter came to the briefing session at the State Department on Thursday.

A journalist asked – in September, the State Department announced that when it came to Bangladesh, quote, “Individuals undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh” would face sanctions and visa restrictions.

You haven’t made those same declarations when it comes to Pakistan. Why is there a difference in how the two countries are being treated?

In reply to it, State Department reiterated its commitment to promoting free and fair elections worldwide, emphasising its stance on democratic values in countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said, “Each country is different, and I’m not going to preview actions from up here. But again, we want to see free and fair elections around the world, including in Bangladesh, and of course, including in Pakistan as well.”

The State Department official further stated, “When we see things that are at odds with our view for the region and things that are at odds with Pakistani authorities’ stated intent, we’ll continue to address them, as I have up here.”

The US commitment to fostering fair and transparent elections remains a key pillar of its foreign policy.