Tense face-off on Capitol Hill over Islamabad’s actions
In a highly anticipated grilling, U.S. lawmakers took Donald Lu to task on Pakistan’s serious allegations and questionable conduct around recent elections. The State Department official dismissed ousted PM Imran Khan‘s explosive claims that America schemed to remove him after his Russia visit. More shockingly, Lu revealed even facing death threats for debunking the wild “conspiracy theory”.
During Pakistan’s polls, several Congress members expressed unease over curbs on civic rights and monitoring groups. Issues impacting millions, like economic woes and Afghan refugees’ expulsion, also came under the scanner.
While some advocated continuing engagement in Afghanistan, others, like Brad Sherman, demanded clarity on freeing Dr. Afridi, who helped nail Osama Bin Laden. And the lifting of curbs on Americans in Pakistan.
Lu adeptly sidestepped these thorny queries but made clear the U.S. had deep reservations over the proposed Iran pipeline, citing financial hurdles and sanctions.
The committee also noted the influential Pakistani-American community’s rising voice. And a letter signed by 31 Congressmen opposing recognition of Pakistan’s new leadership.
Experts said the tense hearing reflected the changing American prism, with counter-terrorism ties persisting. But deeper cooperation hinges on Islamabad undertaking far-reaching political and economic course correction.
In a stunning move, some Congressmembers even linked concerns of India’s Sikhs, underscoring the layered regional challenges at play.
The no-holds-barred interaction ultimately exposed Pakistan‘s misleading narratives to Washington, which will subsequently pursue engagement more prudently based on facts from the ground.
