The US Congress is poised to conduct a hearing scrutinizing the fairness of Pakistan’s February 8 general elections, featuring testimony from Assistant Secretary of the US Department of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu.
Scheduled for March 20, Lu’s testimony holds significance, given his purported involvement in the ousting of Imran Khan’s government in 2022. The hearing, titled “Pakistan After the Elections: Examining the Future of Democracy in Pakistan and the US-Pakistan Relationship,” will be convened by the subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.
During a press briefing, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller underscored the routine nature of State Department officials testifying before Congress. He emphasized the department’s commitment to facilitating Congress’s policymaking and oversight roles.
Miller highlighted the State Department’s willingness to engage in both formal and informal discussions with Congress, acknowledging the importance of officials’ testimonies.
This hearing follows allegations of election rigging by political parties in Pakistan, including PTI, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F). PTI has been protesting since the February 8 polls, claiming their mandate was stolen by the ruling government.
Notably, the election results were unexpected, as no single party secured a majority. At least 90 independent candidates backed by PTI emerged victorious, subsequently joining the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) to claim reserved seats for female candidates and minorities.
Responding to queries regarding Lu’s alleged involvement in the cipher controversy and security concerns, Miller dismissed the accusations as “false.” He reiterated the State Department’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of US officials.
