Pakistan was fully committed to fostering an inclusive democratic process, the Foreign Office spokesperson said on Wednesday in reaction to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights statement regarding the upcoming general elections in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is fully committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed in its laws and Constitution,” Mumtaz Zahra Baloch was quoted as saying in a statement.

In a statement on Tuesday, the OHCHR said that that organisation said it deplored all acts of violence against political parties and candidates and urged the authorities to uphold the fundamental freedoms necessary for a meaningful democratic process.

At least 24 incidents of violence against members of political parties have been reported in the lead-up to the vote.

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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk had appealed to the authorities to ensure a fully free and fair vote and to recommit to the democratic process

In response to media queries over the statement, the FO spokesperson said that security plans have been finalised to hold the elections on February 8 as per the electoral laws of Pakistan.

“Our judicial system provides for fair trial and due process. Domestic legal remedies are available in case of any complaints in the electoral process,” she said.