In a written statement, US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu has voiced doubts regarding the fairness of the February 8 general elections in Pakistan and has recommended a thorough investigation into allegations of rigging.
Lu submitted his statement on Tuesday, expressing worries about irregularities observed during the elections. Despite these concerns, he emphasized the importance of continued engagement with Pakistan to assist the country in navigating through its current crises.
Scheduled to testify before a subcommittee of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Lu will address the topic of “Pakistan After the Elections: Assessing the Future of Democracy in Pakistan and the US-Pakistan Relationship.”
The former ambassador has found himself at the center of crises in Pakistan due to alleged communications with former Pakistani envoy to the US Asad Majeed. This purported warning, conveyed to Islamabad through a cipher, was cited by former prime minister and PTI founder in public speeches, alleging a US conspiracy to remove him from power in 2022.
In his testimony, Lu underscored Washington’s concerns regarding various irregularities in Pakistan, including restrictions on freedoms, instances of violence, and accusations of electoral interference.
He highlighted obstacles faced by political leaders, such as difficulties in registering specific candidates and political parties, which disadvantaged them in the electoral process. Furthermore, Lu drew attention to the harassment and abuse suffered by journalists, particularly female journalists, at the hands of party supporters.
Despite these concerns, Lu acknowledged certain positive aspects of the elections, including a high turnout of over 60 million voters, including more than 21 million women, and a record number of women and minority candidates.
Emphasizing the importance of bolstering Pakistan’s democratic institutions and promoting economic stability, Lu advocated for avenues such as development grants, private sector investment, and humanitarian aid. He also addressed Pakistan’s mounting debt challenges, stressing the necessity of economic reforms and private sector-led investments to stimulate growth.
Lu also stressed the significance of counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan while advocating for the respect of human rights and religious freedoms. Additionally, he highlighted the need for collaboration with the subcommittee to implement US policy in Pakistan and advance a vision of a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous nation.
The written testimony, available on the House subcommittee’s website ahead of the hearing, highlighted Islamabad’s importance as a key partner, being the top destination for Pakistan’s exports.
“Unfortunately, Pakistan is facing mounting debt challenges after the past decade of elevated borrowing, including from [China]. This year, nearly 70 percent of the federal government’s revenue is expected to go to payments to service this massive debt,” Lu stated, emphasizing the necessity for continued US engagement with Pakistan.
