The US State Department has said it is “concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process” in Pakistan.

According to a statement issued by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, the US joined “credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly”.

“We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services,” the statement added.

“Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated.”

It further said the US was “prepared to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared interests”.