‘Serious concerns’ about fairness of Pakistan polls

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said there were serious concerns about the fairness of Pakistan’s national elections after former Pakistani premier Nawaz Sharif declared victory in the polls.

“We regret that not all parties were formally permitted to contest the elections and that legal processes were used to prevent some political leaders from participation and to prevent the use of recognizable party symbols,” Cameron said in a statement.

Cameron said Britain also noted restrictions imposed on internet access on polling day.

He said that Britain urges authorities in Pakistan to uphold “fundamental human rights, including free access to information and the rule of law.”