US Assistant Secretary assures insight of Pakistan’s politics just before Congressional Committee gears up for his testimony
WASHINGTON: 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.
Donald 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.
On the other hand, in a recent meeting between US Ambassador Vedant Patel and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, bilateral issues took center stage, according to statements from both sides. The Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department affirmed that the discussions between the American ambassador and the Prime Minister covered various important matters. Additionally, Patel held meetings with the Pakistani finance minister and other members of the financial team to delve into critical economic issues.
Expressing a mutual commitment to counter-terrorism efforts, Patel emphasized the importance of preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists. He reiterated the United States’ strong cooperation with Pakistani authorities in combating terrorism. The US State Department’s deputy spokesperson highlighted the significance of open communication channels between the two countries, stating, “Whatever is an important issue, we discuss it with the Pakistani authorities.”
Acknowledging Pakistan’s robust media landscape, the spokesperson emphasized the importance of transparent communication channels between the two nations. This meeting underscores ongoing efforts to address bilateral issues and strengthen diplomatic ties between the United States and Pakistan.
