WASHINGTON: US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Donald Lu, appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Wednesday to discuss Pakistan and US relations.
The subcommittee of the US Congress’s House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Pakistan’s elections, the future of democracy, and the Pakistan-US relationship.
During the hearing, Donald Lu clarified that the US was not involved in ousting Imran Khan from power and reiterated, “The US respects Pakistan’s sovereignty.” He mentioned that Pakistan’s Ambassador Asad Majeed had confirmed that the allegation of a cipher was false.
Responding to questions about Pakistan’s economy, Donald Lu said, “There are various forms of American investment in Pakistan. Many American companies and franchises are operating there. The revival of Pakistan’s economy is beneficial for America as well. America wants to enhance these economic relations, but bureaucratic hurdles are a major obstacle for us there. Pakistan needs to make reforms in this regard.”
US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu recommended an investigation into alleged rigging in Pakistan’s February 8 general elections. In a written statement submitted on Tuesday, Lu voiced concerns about irregularities in the elections but emphasized the importance of remaining engaged with Pakistan to assist in navigating its ongoing crises.
The former ambassador has been at the center of a crisis in Pakistan following allegations that he warned the former Pakistani envoy to the US, Asad Majeed, and this information was conveyed to Islamabad through a cipher.
This allegation was mentioned by the former Prime Minister and PTI founder in his public speeches, accusing the US of conspiring to remove him from power in 2022.
Lu emphasized the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s democratic institutions and promoting economic stability through development grants, private-sector investment, and humanitarian aid.
He also emphasized the significance of counterterrorism cooperation, respecting human rights and religious freedoms, and collaborating with the subcommittee to implement US policy and advance a vision of a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan.
Lu’s written testimony, available on the House subcommittee’s website ahead of the hearing, underscored Islamabad’s importance as a top destination for Pakistan’s exports and highlighted the country’s mounting debt challenges, necessitating continued engagement from the US.
