According to spokeswoman Liz Throssell, about 20 attacks over members of political parties, including violence against political parties and candidates, have been reported in the run-up scheduled for February 8.

Throssell warned of a pattern of harassment, arrests and lengthy detentions of leaders and supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan who has been singled out in multiple court cases disqualifying him as candidate and sentenced him to lengthy prison terms.

“We hope that the higher courts will carefully review these findings in accordance with applicable due process and fair trial rights and Pakistan’s broader international human rights obligations,” the spokeswoman remarked.

All eligible parties must be able to compete fairly, Throssell added.

The OHCHR further recalled those barriers faced by women and minority communities in Pakistan, particularly the Ahmadis.

“Separate voter lists – as is the case for Ahmadis – expose them to harassment and violence despite equal rights guaranteed to minorities in Pakistan’s constitution,” the text stated.

Although 22% of National Assembly seats are reserved for women, some political parties do not meet the legal quota of having five percent women candidates on their ticket.

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