As vote counting in Pakistan's general elections continues, several countries have urged authorities to look into apparent irregularities.
Results began to trickle in nearly 12 hours after voting for national and provincial legislatures concluded on Thursday.
Independent candidates associated with imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have a slim advantage.
Armed groups' violence marred the polls, as did a highly denounced suspension of mobile phone services, prompting claims of "political engineering".
The army reported that approximately 12 people were murdered and 39 were injured across the country following actions aimed at disrupting the voting.
Below are some worldwide responses to the happenings thus far:
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom expressed "serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections".
In a statement, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated that "not all parties" were permitted to legally contest the election, and that "legal processes" were utilised to prevent some political leaders from participating.
He also mentioned internet access constraints, reporting delays, and abnormalities.
"The UK urges authorities in Pakistan to uphold fundamental human rights including free access to information, and the rule of law," Cameron said in a statement.
"The new government must be accountable to the people it serves, and work to represent the interests of all Pakistan's citizens and communities with equity and justice," he went on to say.
We have major worries about the fairness and inclusivity of Pakistan's elections.
Authorities must protect core human rights such as free access to information and the rule of law.
The United States
The US Department of State has stated that it is looking forward to "timely, complete election results" from Pakistan that reflect the will of the people.
"The United States is prepared to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared interests," the administration said in a statement.
"We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly," the statement said.
"We condemn electoral violence and are concerned about allegations of interference with the electoral process." Claims of intervention or fraud should be thoroughly probed.
The European Union
The European Union has lauded Pakistan's "commitment to democracy" as it continues.
However, the group said, "We regret the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections, restrictions to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression both online and offline, restrictions of access to the internet, as well as allegations of severe interference in the electoral process, including arrests of political activists."
The EU urged authorities to "ensure a timely and thorough investigation of all reported electoral irregularities."
Iran
"Iran's FM Spokesman congratulated Pakistan's government and people on a successful parliamentary election, saying it demonstrates the country's strong commitment to democracy," the Iranian Foreign Ministry wrote on the social media site X.
It further stated that Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani "wishes the brotherly, friendly, and neighbourly country of Pakistan continued prosperity."
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