Donald Lu Scheduled To Testify Before Congress On March 20

The US House Foreign Affairs Committee has delegated its Subcommittee on the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia to hold a hearing regarding the future of democracy in Pakistan, slated for March 20 in Washington.

The hearing aims to explore the trajectory of democracy in Pakistan and the dynamics of US-Pakistan relations post the February 8 general elections. Donald Lu, the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, is set to testify as the sole witness for the hearing.

Read more: Imran Khans Sister To Take Legal Action Against Donald Lu in US

Mr. Lu’s involvement in the cipher controversy lends weight to his testimony. Allegations have been made by the PTI and its leader, Imran Khan, suggesting that Mr. Lu threatened to destabilize the PTI government during a meeting in March 2022 with then Pakistani ambassador in Washington, Asad Majeed Khan.

This issue frequently surfaces during US State Department press briefings, with journalists from both Pakistan and the US raising questions. However, the department consistently dismisses these allegations as unsubstantiated.

The decision to have Mr. Lu appear at the hearing underscores the department’s commitment to addressing the controversy by providing clarity on its position.

The PTI’s US chapter, in a statement from Houston, Texas, asserted that the announcement of the Congressional hearing was a result of “persistent efforts” by Pakistani Americans.

This bipartisan hearing is anticipated to attract significant attendance from both Democratic and Republican legislators.