Kaine, Young & Murphy Push for Accountability Following Election Interference in Pakistan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues, Todd Young (R-IN), and Chris Murphy (D-CT), leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Near East, South Asia and Counterterrorism, sent a bipartisan letter to Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan. In the letter, the senators expressed deep concern over the recent parliamentary elections in Pakistan. The letter follows the public admission from the Commissioner of Rawalpindi that ballot results were deliberately altered to show reduced support for independent candidates, as well as widespread media reports of voter suppression, electoral violence, and the rigging of results. Through meetings with Pakistani officials and a visit to the region in 2014, Senator Kaine has consistently advocated for strengthening democratic institutions and advancing human rights in Pakistan.

“More than 61 million Pakistanis voted at the polls, including unprecedented numbers of women and young people. We were dismayed to see the Pakistani military’s crackdown on political candidates ahead of the elections and the national cellular network shutdown on election day,” wrote the senators. “…The Pakistani people deserve to have their voices heard and to have their elected officials reflect their core beliefs and values.”

The letter strongly urges the Pakistani government to renew its commitment to democratic principles and human rights, and underscores the importance of upholding these principles in order to maintain a bilateral partnership between the United States and Pakistan. The letter also calls for a continued conversation with Ambassador Khan on priorities in the region and how to collaboratively achieve these goals.    

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.  

We write to you to express our deep concern about the recent parliamentary elections in Pakistan, including widespread reports in the media that the elections were plagued by voter suppression, electoral violence, and the rigging of results. As the United States prepares to work with the new Pakistani government, we strongly urge you to prioritize maintaining the rule of law, uphold democratic values and institutions, and respect fundamental human rights such as free speech and peaceful assembly.

On February 8, more than 61 million Pakistanis voted at the polls, including unprecedented numbers of women and young people. We were dismayed to see the Pakistani military’s crackdown on political candidates ahead of the elections and the national cellular network shutdown on election day. We have further noted the public admission from the Commissioner of Rawalpindi that ballot results were deliberately altered to show reduced support for independent candidates. The Pakistani people deserve to have their voices heard and to have their elected officials reflect their core beliefs and values.

The United States and Pakistan share a highly important relationship and close people-to-people ties, dating back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947 following Pakistan’s independence. The United States is also home to a vibrant and active Pakistani diaspora. In the interest of maintaining this critical bilateral partnership, we ask that your government renew its commitment to supporting democratic principles and advancing human rights in Pakistan.

The political stability, economic security, and safety of civilians in Pakistan is also a U.S. national security priority. We look forward to engaging with you to discuss your priorities and working with you and your team to achieve these goals.

Sincerely,

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