WASHINGTON: The United States has voiced concern regarding the recent arrests of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and raids on the party’s offices, emphasizing the importance of democratic values and the rule of law.
During a press briefing, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller addressed the situation, stressing the need for justice and adherence to constitutional principles in Pakistan. “We have seen the reports of the arrests of PTI leaders. We are always concerned when we see arrests of opposition leaders,” Miller stated. He lightheartedly added that he was personally concerned about the arrest of any spokesperson, prompting laughter in the room.
Miller reiterated the US’s commitment to supporting democratic values, justice, and the rule of law. “We support the peaceful upholding of constitutional and democratic principles, including the rule of law, equal justice under the law, and respect for human rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly,” he affirmed.
He also pointed out that these principles are enshrined in the Pakistani Constitution and should be upheld by the government. “We urge that these principles be respected in accordance with Pakistan’s Constitution and laws,” Miller added.
On Tuesday, the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation sealed the PTI central office again, citing a lack of fire safety arrangements as the reason. This development followed the arrest of PTI spokesman Raoof Hasan from the party’s central secretariat in Islamabad, where police also confiscated records and computers. Reports initially suggested that PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan had also been arrested, but these were later denied.
