A senior United States Department of State official, Donald Lu, has raised concerns over “electoral abuse and violence” in Pakistan’s recent general election in written testimony submitted before a congressional hearing. The hearing, focusing on the future of democracy in Pakistan and the US-Pakistan relationship, follows calls from over 30 members of Congress urging President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken not to recognize Pakistan’s new government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Lu highlighted a series of “irregularities” in the conduct of the February 8 elections, including attacks on security officials and politicians, harassment of journalists, and prevention of political parties and candidates from registering. He also noted that an internationally respected local election monitoring organization was barred from observing vote tabulation in more than half of the constituencies across the country.
Despite criticism from the West, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the elections, stating that reactions failed to acknowledge the “free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistanis.” Lu’s testimony suggests that the US retains concerns about the conduct of the elections.
In addition to concerns over the elections, Lu emphasized Pakistan’s importance as a partner to the US, highlighting cooperation on threats from armed groups and efforts to promote economic stability in Pakistan. Pakistan recently averted default through a last-minute International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan, with the IMF confirming Pakistan’s eligibility to receive the remaining $1.1bn from the loan program, citing improved economic and financial position.
The congressional hearing and Lu’s testimony underscore ongoing challenges in the US-Pakistan relationship, particularly regarding democratic practices and electoral integrity.
