Dear European External Action Service,

Under the right of access to documents in the EU treaties, as developed in Regulation 1049/2001, I am requesting documents which contain the following information:

As President of PTI Germany (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's chapter in Germany), representing thousands of Pakistani diaspora members in Europe who are deeply invested in Pakistan's democratic future, I am formally requesting the public release of the Final Report of the European Union Election Expert Mission (EEM) to Pakistan's General Elections held on February 8, 2024.

This report, referenced in the EU's post-election statement of February 9, 2024, by then-High Representative Josep Borrell, provides a critical assessment of the electoral process, including allegations of irregularities, restrictions on freedoms of expression and assembly, and potential interference. It holds immense value not only for EU citizens and the Pakistani diaspora but also for advancing global democratic standards, aligning with the EU's core values of transparency, human rights and accountability.

Previous requests (2024/077 on AsktheEU.org) were denied on grounds of protecting international relations with Pakistan, with concerns that disclosure could be "negatively perceived" by Pakistani authorities. However, this argument no longer holds in light of recent developments. The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) report on the same elections, detailing comparable issues such as an unequal playing field for PTI, internet shutdowns, and result manipulation was leaked on September 13, 2025, and officially released on September 30, 2025. Far from damaging diplomatic ties, this transparency has fostered constructive dialogue, as evidenced by ongoing EU-Pakistan engagements under frameworks like the GSP+ trade regime, which explicitly ties benefits to democratic reforms and human rights improvements. Releasing the EU report would similarly promote accountability and stability in Pakistan, strengthening rather than undermining relations by encouraging necessary electoral reforms and building trust with civil society.

The overriding public interest is clear: EU taxpayers fund election missions to support democracy worldwide, and withholding this report erodes the EU's credibility as a global leader in transparent governance. For the Pakistani diaspora in Europe, access to this information is essential for informed advocacy and participation in both EU and Pakistani democratic processes. Partial or redacted release could address any residual sensitivities while fulfilling transparency obligations.

I request full access to the report. If full release is not possible, please provide partial access or a detailed summary, along with precise justifications for any withheld parts under Article 4 of Regulation 1049/2001.

If this request is denied, I kindly ask for a confirmatory application process and, if necessary, escalation to the European Ombudsman or judicial review at the General Court.

Please provide the information in an electronic format via this platform.

Yours faithfully,

Habib Ur Rehman Qazi
President, PTI Germany
Roßdörferstraße 23, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany

Dear European External Action Service,

Please pass this on to the person who reviews confirmatory applications.

I am filing the following confirmatory application with regards to my access to documents request 'Election Expert Mission Report for Pakistan 2024'.

As President of PTI Germany (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's chapter in Germany) and an EU resident, I represent thousands of Pakistani diaspora members deeply invested in democratic integrity. The initial request emphasized the public interest in transparency, particularly given the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) report's release without harm. Your refusal upholds the exemption under Article 4(1)(a), third indent, citing "concrete and reasonably foreseeable" risks to EU international relations, ongoing electoral reform cooperation, and "mutual trust and confidentiality" for future missions. It dismisses the COG precedent as irrelevant, referencing case law (Auken v Commission, T-689/21, para 115).

I have consulted your response with PTI leadership, the largest political party in Pakistan by popular support and parliamentary presence. PTI unequivocally demands transparency and provides assurances that eliminate any remaining excuses for withholding.

I challenge this decision on the following grounds, requesting a fresh assessment:

1. Lack of Specific Evidence for Risks: The refusal provides no verifiable proof of how disclosure would cause harm, relying on vague assertions. EU case law requires a "concrete assessment" and "specific indications" of damage (Council v In 't Veld, C-350/12 P, paras 52–64; ClientEarth v Commission, C-612/13 P, paras 74–80). Demand explicit details on the "reasonably foreseeable" risks, absent this the exemption is invalid. Hypothetical "negative perceptions" do not suffice under the Regulation's strict interpretation (Recital 11).

2. Commonwealth Precedent Undermines the Exemption: While you claim third-party releases (like the COG report on September 30, 2025) are irrelevant, it provides empirical evidence that similar disclosures cause no diplomatic fallout. EU-Pakistan relations will remain robust post release, proving transparency strengthens ties. Your case law citation (Auken) addresses unauthorized leaks, not official third-party publications reassess under proportionality, as the public interest in electoral accountability overrides speculative risks (Sweden v Commission, C-39/05 P, para 74).

3. No Breach of Trust or Impact on Future Missions: The report was shared confidentially with Pakistani authorities, but public release aligns with EU democracy promotion (Article 21 TEU). PTI, the biggest opposition party provides these assurances:
- No Risk to Relations: PTI explicitly supports public release, far from a "breach of trust," it fosters accountability and reforms. As the largest party, our endorsement ensures no threat to relations.
- Guarantee for Future Missions: PTI reaffirms full invitations for EU observers, pledging unwavering cooperation and access irrespective of content.

4. Confidentiality Commitments Do Not Override EU Law: Any written commitment to non-disclosure (as referenced in prior refusals like 2024/077) cannot automatically exempt the report if public interest prevails. EU case law holds that such agreements must be strictly interpreted and balanced against transparency (Council v Access Info Europe, C-280/11 P, paras 30–35; General Court in T-796/16, City of Paris v Commission, para 85). Demand evidence of the commitment's terms and why consent cannot be sought, absent overriding harm, disclosure is required.

5. Overriding Public Interest: Even if risks exist, the overriding interest in transparency (Recital 16) demands access. EU taxpayers fund missions to uphold democracy, withholding contradicts GSP+ obligations linking trade to human rights. Partial/redacted release must be considered, as your blanket denial ignores viable options (Turco v Council, T-84/03, paras 82–85). Continued suppression not only contradicts the EU's core values on transparency, human rights, and democratic accountability but may compel us to pursue all available remedies, including judicial review before the General Court of the EU, to uphold these principles.

I request full access or, alternatively, partial/redacted disclosure with justifications for withheld parts. This review offers an opportunity to align with EU values.

A full history of my request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address: https://www.asktheeu.org/request/electio...

Yours faithfully,

Habib Ur Rehman Qazi
President, PTI Germany