The United States has urged the Pakistani authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into allegations of irregularities and manipulation during the country's February 8 general elections using its legal system.
The final results of the February 8 elections were delayed significantly, prompting concerns about electoral transparency.
Several political parties, notably Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), have claimed that there were irregularities and rigging during the election.
The other parties, including the PPP, PML-N, and MQM-P, have begun discussions to create a coalition government because no party received a simple majority in the polls.
The PTI-backed independent candidates gained the most seats, followed by the PML-N and PPP.
During a daily press briefing on Monday, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "Right now, we believe it is a matter of first course, letting the legal system play itself out in Pakistan; that is the appropriate first step to take, and we believe it is the step that should be taken."
In response to a query regarding US congressmen requesting the Biden administration to press for an independent inquiry into alleged election fraud, he responded, "I'm not sure what body they're proposing to conduct an independent investigation."
"If there are additional steps that ought to be entertained, we are happy to look into that," he said.
In response to another question, he reiterated: "We have seen allegations of meddling and fraud, and we want to guarantee that they are thoroughly probed by Pakistan's judicial system. We will continue to watch this in the coming days."
While asking for a thorough investigation into the alleged election irregularities, the spokesperson stated that it was obviously a contested election in which people were allowed to express their choice and that "ultimately we respect the democratic process and are ready to work with the government once it is formed."
The spokesperson stated that the US had voiced concerns both publicly and privately, along with the EU, the UK, and other nations, over "some irregularities that we saw in the process. We emphasized the necessity for the Pakistani government to respect the will of the election."