US dwells on need to “investigate” electoral irregularities in Pakistan

The spokesman for the US State Department, Matthew Miller, on Tuesday urged the newly elected Pakistan government to investigate the electoral irregularities and challenges by the political parties.

Highlighting that the US will work with the newly elected government led by Shehbaz Sharif, Miller pointed out the irregularities.

“There was a competitive election in Pakistan. Millions and millions of people made their voices heard. A new government has been formed and we will of course work with that government. At the same time, there were reported irregularities. There have been challenges brought by political parties to the results and we want to see those challenges and those irregularities fully investigated,” he said.

Shehbaz Sharif was elected as Pakistan’s PM after he secured 201 votes in the National Assembly on Sunday defeating his rival Omar Ayub Khan who was backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The government formation in Pakistan has taken place after PML-N held talks with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and other parties, including MQM-P, PML-Q, BAP, PML-Z, IPP.

Responding to a question about the freedom of speech in Pakistan, US State Department spokesperson condemned the partial or complete government-imposed shutdowns of internet platforms in the country.