U.S slams "participation of terrorists" in Pakistan elections. Read the full statement here

The United States has issued a statement on the recently held general elections in Pakistan that have seen Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's PTI party emerge as the biggest in the country, with Khan, himself, all set to become Prime Minister.

Here are the key points expressed by the U.S State department:

• The United States commends the courage of the Pakistani people, including many women, who turned out to vote
• We condemn the horrific acts of terrorist violence that marred this process, including the latest attack outside a polling station in Quetta on election day
• The United States shares concerns about flaws in the pre-voting electoral process, as expressed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. These included constraints placed on freedoms of expression and association during the campaign period that were at odds with Pakistani authorities’ stated goal of a fully fair and transparent election.
• The United States also has deep reservations over the participation of terrorist-affiliated individuals in the elections, but we commend Pakistani voters for fully rejecting these candidates at the ballot box

Here is the full statement:

The United States takes note of yesterday’s election results in Pakistan. The United States commends the courage of the Pakistani people, including many women, who turned out to vote and showed resolve to determine their country’s future.

We condemn the horrific acts of terrorist violence that marred this process, including the latest attack outside a polling station in Quetta on election day. We offer our deepest condolences to the victims and their families, and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

The development of strong democratic and civilian institutions of governance and a vibrant civil society is critical to Pakistan’s long-term stability and prosperity. In that context, the United States shares concerns about flaws in the pre-voting electoral process, as expressed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. These included constraints placed on freedoms of expression and association during the campaign period that were at odds with Pakistani authorities’ stated goal of a fully fair and transparent election. The United States concurs with the conclusions of the European Union Election Observation Mission, whose report notes that while there were positive changes to the legal framework for elections in Pakistan, these were overshadowed by restrictions on freedom of expression and unequal campaign opportunities. The United States also has deep reservations over the participation of terrorist-affiliated individuals in the elections, but we commend Pakistani voters for fully rejecting these candidates at the ballot box on Wednesday.

Along with our international partners, the United States will continue to encourage a broadening of opportunities for political participation for all Pakistanis, and for the further strengthening of legitimate, democratic institutions. As Pakistan’s elected leaders form a new government, the United States will look for opportunities to work with them to advance our goals of security, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.

The reference to the elections not being free and fair is in consonance with the US' stand on polling day, as well as with widespread speculation that the Pakistan Army and ISI played a major role in determining the outcome of the elections. The erstwhile ruling party, the PML-N, whose supremo Nawaz Sharif was incarcerated weeks before what would have been the end of his term as Prime Minister, has rejected the result alleging rigging. The reference to terrorists, meanwhile, is likely relation to the Milli Muslim League, a politico-terror outfit of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed contesting the elections but failing to win a single seat.

The US has been at the head of a striking global crack-down on Pakistan for its terror-funding. On the very first day of 2018 US President Donald Trump had moved to block military aid to Pakistan, slamming it for its 'lies and deceit'.