The US State Department has expressed concerns over the arrests of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders, urging the South Asian nation to respect human rights and uphold democratic principles.
“We have seen the reports of the arrests of PTI leaders. We are always concerned when we see arrests of opposition leaders,” said US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller while speaking at a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday.
Washington’s reaction comes against the backdrop of PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hasan’s arrest for allegedly heading a digital media cell involved in running propaganda against Pakistan and its integrity.
Reacting to Hasan’s arrest, Miller said: “I’m always personally concerned when I see the arrest of a spokesperson.”
He further reiterated Washington’s support the peaceful upholding of constitutional and democratic principles, including the rule of law, equal justice under the law, and respect for human rights like freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.
“We urge that these principles be respected in accordance with Pakistan’s constitution and laws,” he added.
