US for probe into poll fraud claims

WASHINGTON: The US on Tuesday reiterated that claims of interference in recent general elections in Pakistan should be investigated.

“Any claims of interference or fraud should be fully and transparently investigated,” the US Department of State spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said emphasizing that it should be conducted in accordance with Pakistan’s own laws and procedures. “That of course includes this claim as well,” the spokesperson said during the daily briefing while responding to a question about the admission of election rigging by a senior Pakistani official. Last week, Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaqat Ali Chattha came out accusing authorities of having changed the results of independent candidates.

The spokesperson maintained that the formation of a new government was Pakistan’s internal matter adding “that’s a matter I leave to Pakistan but as I said when it comes to any claims of interference or allegations we want to see those fully investigated.” To a question about Internet restrictions in Pakistan, he said, “We always want to see Internet freedom around the world that includes the availability of platforms that people use to communicate with each other.”