Pakistan hits back at election criticism and insists phone curbs were necessary

Supporters of former prime mnister Nawaz Sharif’ party ‘Pakistan Muslim League-N’ celebrate (KM Chaudary/AP)

Pakistan has hit back at criticism over the conduct of its parliamentary elections, which were held amid sporadic militant attacks and an unprecedented stoppage of all mobile phone services.

The strongly worded reaction from the Foreign Ministry insisted the vote was peaceful and successful.