US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, known for his involvement in the controversial cypher allegations in Pakistan, revealed in a Congressional hearing that he has received death threats following the accusations of his involvement in the ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Lu made these remarks during a hearing titled ‘Pakistan after the elections: Examining the future of democracy in Pakistan and the US-Pakistan relationship.’
Lu expressed gratitude for the Pakistani American community’s engagement in bilateral relations, acknowledging their deep knowledge and concerns about Pakistan’s future. However, he highlighted the unacceptable nature of threats and violence stemming from unfounded allegations, emphasizing the importance of civil discourse.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan had accused the US of backing the no-confidence motion against him in 2022, alleging US involvement in his removal from power. Despite repeated denials from the State Department and Lu himself, the allegations persisted, resulting in threats against Lu and his family.
During the hearing, Lu addressed the protests and disruptions, reiterating that the allegations against him were baseless and untrue. He emphasized that the alleged “cypher” leak did not implicate the US government or himself personally in any conspiracy against Khan. Lu referenced Pakistan’s then-ambassador to the US, Asad Majeed, who testified that there was no conspiracy.
Lu emphasized the US’s respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty and the democratic process, reiterating the need for transparency and accountability in elections. Despite interruptions and protests during his testimony, Lu remained steadfast in refuting the allegations and reaffirming the US’s commitment to civil discourse and diplomatic norms.
Before concluding his testimony, Lu acknowledged irregularities in Pakistan’s general elections, particularly in the compilation of results, underscoring the importance of addressing such issues transparently and ensuring accountability.
Lu’s testimony shed light on the challenges faced by diplomats amid unfounded allegations and emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic integrity and respect for democratic processes.
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