US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu is set to testify before a congressional committee today (Wednesday), where he plans to address various aspects of Pakistan’s political landscape.
Lu, who boasts an intimate understanding of Pakistan’s political situation, intends to shed light on the country’s recent elections.
Expressing familiarity with Pakistan’s political dynamics, he emphasized the resilience of its citizens who have historically participated in elections despite facing challenges such as violence and intimidation.
He expressed his commitment to addressing any irregularities that may have occurred during the electoral process and American policy.
Highlighting the significance of federalism, Lu underscored the need for national unity achieved through stability and mutual respect among all stakeholders. He reiterated America’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the voice of every citizen is heard.
Moreover, the US Deputy Secretary of State hinted at forthcoming remarks regarding US policy on the irregularities observed in the Pakistan elections. He also raised concerns about unnecessary restrictions on freedom of expression, signaling America's stance on safeguarding fundamental rights.
Donald Bloom, PM Shehbaz meeting
On the other hand, during a meeting between US Ambassador Donald Bloom and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, bilateral issues were addressed, according to US Department of State Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel.
Patel noted that discussions also took place between the American ambassador and the Pakistani finance minister along with other members of the financial team.
Emphasizing the importance of preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists, Patel underscored the need for ongoing cooperation.
Additionally, Patel acknowledged Pakistan's robust media landscape