In a recent hearing before a subcommittee of the US panel, US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu vehemently dismissed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s cipher allegations, labeling them as “Conspiracy Theory, lie, and complete falsehood.” Lu’s testimony addressed the allegations made by Khan, providing clarity and emphasizing the US government’s stance on the matter.
During the hearing titled ‘Pakistan After the Elections: Examining the Future of Democracy in Pakistan and the US-Pakistan Relationship,’ Lu reiterated the US State Department’s concerns regarding electoral abuses and violence surrounding the February 8 Pakistan general elections. He highlighted various instances of electoral malpractices and violence leading up to the polls, including attacks on police, politicians, and political gatherings by terrorist groups, harassment and abuse of journalists, and the disadvantaging of several political leaders due to registration issues.
Lu also addressed the shutdown of internet services on election day, despite a high court order not to interrupt internet services. Despite these challenges, Lu acknowledged the significant voter turnout, particularly emphasizing the participation of over 21 million women, which resulted in the election of 50% more women to Parliament compared to 2018.
Lu also noted the record number of members from religious and minority groups and young people running for parliamentary seats, highlighting the competitive and orderly conduct of the elections. He acknowledged some irregularities in the compilation of results but emphasized the overall competitiveness and orderliness of the electoral process.
Regarding Imran Khan’s allegations against him and the US government’s involvement in a conspiracy to remove him from office, Lu reiterated that these claims were baseless and lacked credibility. He clarified that neither he nor the US government took any steps against Khan, emphasizing the sovereignty of Pakistan and respecting the principle of democratic processes.
Lu also highlighted the efforts of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in addressing complaints and irregularities, mentioning the formation of a high-level committee to sift through thousands of petitions regarding rigging in the general elections.
Lu’s testimony provided insight into the US government’s perspective on the Pakistan general elections and refuted the allegations made by Imran Khan, reinforcing the commitment to transparent and accountable democratic processes in Pakistan-US relations.
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