In a stern warning, the United States has cautioned Pakistan that relations between the two countries will suffer if irregularities in last month’s election are not thoroughly investigated and, if necessary, votes rerun. Donald Lu, the top US diplomat for South Asia, expressed “serious concerns” about the conduct of the February 8 election and ongoing disruptions of media and social media, including a prolonged shutdown of Twitter.
Speaking before a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee, Lu emphasized that the Election Commission of Pakistan should rerun elections where there is evidence of interference. He underscored the importance of upholding democratic processes and the country’s constitution, stating that failure to do so would impede the US-Pakistan relationship, which has spanned 76 years.
Lu also clarified that the US is not considering any major new military sales to Pakistan, a Cold War ally whose army and intelligence apparatus has long played a dominant role in politics. The election saw former Prime Minister Imran Khan jailed and barred from running, with his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party subjected to a crackdown. Despite Khan’s party winning the most seats, rival Shehbaz Sharif became prime minister in a coalition between two dynastic parties.
Khan, who was removed as prime minister by a parliamentary vote two years ago, has frequently criticized the US military and alleged US involvement in his removal. However, Lu strongly denied these allegations, stating that the US respects Pakistan’s sovereignty and the democratic process.
The hearing was marked by disruptions from pro-Khan demonstrators, with Lu noting that he has received death threats and his family has been threatened over the allegations. The US diplomat reiterated the importance of respecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and the principle that its people should choose their leaders through a democratic process.
