The US State Department expressed concern over violent occurrences as well as limitations on freedom of speech and media in Pakistan ahead of the general elections and stated that the US was "quite closely" monitoring the electoral process.
On a question about former Prime Minister Imran Khan's jail term in the midst of national elections and restrictions on his party, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said, "We're continuing to monitor Pakistan's electoral process very closely, and as we have said, we want to see that process take place in a way that facilitates broad participation while respecting freedom of expression, assembly, and associations."
Patel stated that the US was concerned about any acts of violence and limits on media freedom, freedom of speech, including internet freedom, and peaceful assembly and association.
"We are concerned about some of the infringements that we have seen in that space," the State Department spokesperson said.
However, he stated that Pakistanis deserved to exercise their basic right to pick their future leaders in free and fair elections free of fear, violence, or intimidation, and that the people of Pakistan will ultimately decide their political future.
On February 3, the US Embassy issued a travel recommendation for American people as Pakistan prepared for general elections on February 8.
In its advisory, the embassy asked Americans to remain vigilant and aware of the locations of political rallies occurring in areas they intended to visit.
“On February 8, election day, areas around polling stations may be crowded, and US citizens not eligible to participate in Pakistan’s elections should avoid them," it had advised.
The embassy had warned that disruptions to internet and cellular service could occur leading up to and throughout election day and immediately following.