What did Donald Lu demand about Pakistan?

WASHINGTON: US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu has supported the investigation into allegations of rigging while questioning the transparency of the February 8 general elections in Pakistan.

Donald Lu submitted a written statement expressing concern about the irregularities in the elections and also stressed the need to help Pakistan overcome the crises it is facing.

Donald Lu will appear before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs’ subcommittee during a session titled “Pakistan, Future of Democracy in Pakistan and Review of US-Pakistani Relations” after the elections.

Former Ambassador Donald Lu is considered responsible for the crisis in Pakistan because he allegedly threatened Asad Majeed, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US, which was sent to Islamabad through a cipher. The former prime minister and PTI founder had mentioned the cipher in his public speeches in 2022 accusing the US of a conspiracy to oust him from power.

In his written testimony, Donald Lu highlighted Washington’s concerns about irregularities in Pakistan, including allegations of violence and election interference. He noted that several political leaders faced obstacles in the election, such as the failure to register certain candidates and political parties, which undermined the electoral process.

He also highlighted the harassment and ill-treatment faced by many journalists, especially women journalists, at the hands of PTI supporters.