WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Calls for accountability and transparency in Pakistan’s recent parliamentary elections are gaining momentum as concerns over alleged rigging, poll violence, and internet shutdowns mount. More than two dozen members of the US Congress have penned a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging them to withhold recognition of the new Pakistani government until a thorough investigation into election interference is conducted.
The February 8 elections in Pakistan were marred by accusations of widespread irregularities, including pre- and post-poll rigging, delays in reporting results, and instances of violence. Despite candidates backed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan winning the most seats, a coalition government between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and four smaller parties is now on the horizon, with Shehbaz Sharif expected to become the next premier.
Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party have rejected the election results, alleging manipulation and voter intimidation. Their claims are supported by widespread protests across Pakistan, with various parties decrying what they perceive as an unfair electoral process.
The US lawmakers’ letter emphasizes the importance of upholding democratic principles and human rights in Pakistan. It calls for the release of political prisoners and urges Pakistani authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into election interference. The letter highlights concerns about the credibility of the electoral process and underscores the need for accountability.
The political crisis in Pakistan escalated when Imran Khan was ousted by a vote of no-confidence orchestrated by the powerful military in 2022. Khan, now in jail on corruption charges, has been a vocal critic of the military’s influence in Pakistani politics. His imprisonment, along with allegations of censorship and repression of dissenting voices, has drawn condemnation from international observers.
As Pakistan navigates its post-election landscape, questions loom over the future of its democracy and the role of its military establishment. With calls for accountability growing louder, the Biden administration faces pressure to take a firm stance on the issue and uphold democratic values in its dealings with Pakistan.
