US not influencing elections in Pakistan, says State Dept

The State Department affirmed that the United States had no intentions of influencing the forthcoming elections in Pakistan, emphasizing its impartial stance with regard to supporting any political party or candidate.

In response to a query from a journalist regarding why an ambassador would meet with a country’s chief election official, the department’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, provided this assurance. US Ambassador Donald Blome had recently held a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja in Islamabad.

Mr. Miller responded, “I would suggest contacting the embassy for specific information about that meeting, which I’m confident they will be willing to provide. However, I understand the direction of your question.”

He further reiterated, “So, I want to emphasize what I’ve stated on numerous occasions, which is that the United States maintains a neutral position concerning the outcome of elections in Pakistan.”

He clarified that the United States neither supports any particular political party nor endorses any specific candidate in Pakistan. Nevertheless, he highlighted that the US consistently encourages and advocates for free and fair elections in Pakistan, as it does worldwide.