Donald Lu denies allegations of toppling Imran Khan's govt

Amid calls to not acknowledge Pakistan's new government following controversial elections, US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu underlined Washington’s concerns about irregularities in the February 8 polls.

The hearing titled ‘Pakistan After the elections: Examining the future of Democracy in Pakistan and the US Pakistan relationship,’ was announced by the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee where the assistant secretary was the key witness.

In a statement during US Congressional hearing, Donald Lu denied Imran Khan's allegations of toppling his government. Due to allegations, I faced dire threats last year. 

Lu said cipher issue was fake, Pakistan's Envoy Asad Majeed Khan also denied allegations of regime change. The United States respects Pakistan's sovereignty, he added.

At no point does it accuse the United States government or me personally of taking steps against Imran Khan," Lu added.

"We were particularly concerned about electoral abuses and violence that happened in the weeks leading up to the elections,” Lu said before detailing attacks by armed groups on security officials and politicians, the harassment of journalists, and the prevention of some political parties and candidates from registering for the elections.