Pakistan is experiencing a massive economic crisis including record inflation and an overwhelming foreign debt.
Washington, D.C.
Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul delivered remarks at a hearing to examine the future of democracy in Pakistan and the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. During his remarks, Chairman McCaul highlighted Pakistan’s importance as a regional partner in efforts such as combatting terrorism and emphasized the importance of democracy and human rights in Pakistan.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member. I agree with you that there is a tremendous amount of interest in this hearing. I think that I have never had so many members on the House Floor come to me and say that we need to have a hearing on Pakistan after the election. I know the diasporas is out across the United States have shown a lot of great interest and have voiced that to their Members of Congress.
I also thank Assistant Secretary Lu for testifying here today. I’ve always thought that Pakistan is a very important country. I’ve been there many times. It’s a beautiful country, but it’s often fraught with problems related to terrorism and other matters.
And today, they are facing many challenges just the same. They just installed a new government after a controversial election. Currently, Pakistan is experiencing a massive economic crisis including record inflation and an overwhelming foreign debt.
Pakistan’s domestic situation has a ripple effect throughout the region. It is critical the United States works to promote economic prosperity and domestic stability within Pakistan.
I think that the people of Pakistan deserve a country where democracy and rule of law are protected at the highest levels.
The voters have displayed their commitment to participating in the process.
Despite allegations of fraud and interference in the recent election, the people of Pakistan showed up to vote in unprecedented numbers, which is very positive.
However, I was deeply concerned by well-documented instances of interference in the February elections including: A terrorist attack at a candidate’s political offices, hours before the polls opened; and also, major internet and cell service shut offs on election day.
