Pakistan remains an important partner of the U.S., said Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu in recent Congressional testimony.
Free and fair elections are foundational for a democracy. Unfortunately, on February 8, Pakistan held a flawed vote, said Assistant Secretary Lu:
“We noted undue restrictions on the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly. We condemned the electoral violence and restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms. We condemned attacks on media workers and restrictions on the access to the internet and telecom services, and we expressed concern about allegations of interference in the electoral process and stated that claims of interference and fraud should be fully investigated.”
“We were particularly concerned about electoral abuses and violence that happened in the weeks leading up to the polls,” said Assistant Secretary Lu:
“First, there were attacks against police, politicians and political gatherings by terrorist groups. Second, many journalists, particularly female journalists, were harassed and abused by party supporters. And third, several political leaders were disadvantaged by the inability to register specific candidates and political parties.”
There were positive elements to this election as well, noted Assistant Secretary Lu:
“Despite the threat of violence, over 60 million Pakistanis voted, including over 21 million women. Voters elected 50 percent more women to Parliament than they had in 2018. In addition to a record number of female candidates, there were also a record number of members of religious and minority groups and young people running for seats in their parliament.”
The U.S. and Pakistan share a commitment to strengthening Pakistan's democratic institutions, supporting the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance framework, cooperating to counter terrorist threats from groups like al-Qaida and ISIS, and bolstering respect for human rights.
The United States continues to play a critical role in promoting economic stability in Pakistan, said Assistant Secretary Lu:
“We are the top destination for Pakistan's exports. We have been one of the most important investors in critical infrastructure over 76 years of our partnership. For example, the US government is refurbishing now the Mangla and Tabela dams, which provide electricity to tens of millions of Pakistanis.”
The Pakistani people deserve a country that is peaceful, democratic and prosperous, declared Assistant Secretary Lu. “We are working every day to support that vision.”
