The United States has once again urged Pakistan to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the February 8th elections. In a statement issued by U.S. spokesperson Mathew Miller on Tuesday, the U.S. expressed its commitment to uncovering the truth behind the reported poll rigging.
"We condemn the government's actions of internet shutdowns and rigging allegations," Miller stated, emphasizing the need for a partial probe into these anomalies.
This assertion follows Washington's recent congratulations to Maryam Nawaz on her victory as Punjab's first female chief minister and its dedication to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan under new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
During a press briefing, department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated the White House's pledge to collaborate with Pakistan's new government, acknowledging the competitive nature of the elections and the voices of millions of Pakistani citizens.
However, he underscored the importance of addressing concerns raised by political parties and conducting a thorough inquiry to clarify the issue. The U.S. representative also criticized the government-imposed suspension of internet platforms, emphasizing Washington's commitment to free expression in Pakistan.
"We have and will keep emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding these fundamental liberties during our engagements with Pakistani officials," Miller affirmed.
This stance underscores Washington's dedication to promoting fundamental freedoms in its interactions with Pakistani leaders while expressing support for the new administration. However, it's notable that Mr. Miller is not the first U.S. official to express reservations about the alleged rigging in Pakistan's elections.
In a significant development, around 35 members of the U.S. Congress, led by Democratic Party member Gregorio Casar, have written to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging them not to recognize the new administration in Islamabad constituted following the election.
Adding fuel to the fire, PTI’s Taimur Jhagra has claimed that the results in the recently released Form 45 for the February 8 general elections were “tampered”. He shared purported scans of Forms 45 from at least 29 polling stations on his social media account, alleging manipulation of votes.
In light of these developments, political circles in Pakistan have raised apprehensions regarding the government's stability, with some analysts suggesting that it's highly unlikely that the newly elected government will complete its full term in office.
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