US concerned over raid on PTI office, arrest of Raoof Hasan

Washington: The United States has expressed concern over the arrest of PTI leader Raoof Hasan and a raid on the party’s office in Pakistan. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller spoke about the issue on Tuesday.

Miller said the US is worried about the arrest of opposition leaders and wants to see constitutional and democratic principles upheld peacefully. He joked that he is personally concerned when a spokesperson is arrested, referencing his own role.

He stated that the US supports the rule of law, equal justice, and human rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. He urged Pakistan to respect these principles according to its constitution and laws.

When asked about democracy in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Miller said the US will continue to promote democratic values worldwide. He noted that countries are strongest when they uphold these values but emphasized that countries make their own decisions. The US will keep advocating for fundamental freedoms and human rights.

Miller did not respond to questions about Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Regarding the Pakistan Army's stance on "digital terrorism," he said, "We support media freedom in Pakistan, just as we support it around the world."

He said that the State Department “supports the 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”.

Miller added that the department “urges that these principles be respected in accordance with Pakistan’s constitution and laws”, before answering further questions.