US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller refrained from commenting in detail on Tuesday regarding the sentencing of former prime minister Imran Khan, stating that the matter was one for the Pakistani courts.
During a routine press briefing, spokesperson Miller consistently emphasised that the legal proceedings against the ex-prime minister and the PTI head were matters to be resolved by the Pakistani judicial system.
“We’ve been closely following the cases brought against the former prime minister, but we refrain from making any comments on the sentencing,” he reiterated. “The issue lies within the jurisdiction of the Pakistani courts,” responded Miller.
The spokesperson stressed that the prosecution of the former prime minister falls under the purview of the legal system, and the United States would defer to Pakistani courts on legal matters. However, he expressed the desire to witness the democratic process unfolding in a manner that encourages broad participation from all parties, highlighting the importance of respecting democratic principles.
Addressing a related inquiry, Miller clarified that the US maintains a neutral stance on internal Pakistani affairs and refrains from taking positions on candidates for office in the country. “We advocate for a free, fair, and open democratic process, and in legal matters, it is for Pakistani courts to make decisions,” he asserted.
The spokesperson reiterated the US’s consistent call for the upholding of democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law in Pakistan and worldwide. Miller also underscored the US’s aspiration for a free and fair election, stating that they would closely monitor the process over the next week to 10 days. While acknowledging room for improvement in certain areas in Pakistan, he clarified that there was “no specific assessment made in the current case.”
