Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
HomePakistanUS urges Pakistan to follow due process amid crackdown on PTI leadership

US urges Pakistan to follow due process amid crackdown on PTI leadership

While PTI leadership is being assaulted, the US urged Pakistan to uphold the law.

The United States on Monday expressed its belief that individuals in Pakistan have the right to express themselves, emphasizing the importance of doing so without resorting to violence. During a news briefing, US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel declined to comment on the recent arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan but stressed the need to respect the laws of the land when making arrests.

When questioned about the violence that followed Khan’s arrest, Patel highlighted the US belief in freedom of expression while emphasizing the importance of avoiding actions that put government employees and buildings at risk. He stated that individuals should be able to express themselves freely, provided they do so peacefully.

Regarding Imran Khan’s arrest, the spokesperson maintained a neutral stance, stating that the US does not take a position on specific political parties or candidates. The focus, instead, was on fostering a strong, stable, and prosperous Pakistan, which is crucial for US-Pakistan relations. Patel asserted that any individual arrested should be granted basic human rights in accordance with the country’s laws.

To read more: Islamabad High Court Extends Imran Khan’s Interim Bail Until June 8

When questioned about Imran Khan’s statement regarding limitations on journalists in Pakistan, Patel refrained from making a definitive assessment, indicating a lack of information on the current situation.

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Last week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres also acknowledged the protests that ensued after Khan’s arrest and called for all parties involved to refrain from violence. Guterres urged Pakistani authorities to uphold due process and the rule of law in the legal proceedings against the former prime minister, emphasizing the importance of respecting the right to peaceful assembly.

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UN says the situation in Pakistan has spiralled out of control since Khan’s detention from the Islamabad High Court earlier this week, resulting in five deaths and widespread instability in a country already grappling with a severe economic crisis and a delay in an International Monetary Fund bailout since November.

Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stated that Guterres has urged all parties to respect the right to peaceful assembly and emphasised the need for law enforcement to comply with the law while enforcing it against Khan.

The United Nations Secretary-General has called on the authorities to adhere to due process and the principles of the rule of law in the legal proceedings concerning the former Prime Minister Khan.

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