WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States has voiced its concerns over the recent arrests of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in Pakistan. During a weekly briefing, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed a journalist’s question, saying, “We have seen reports regarding the arrests of PTI leaders. Whenever we witness the arrests of opposition leaders, it is always a cause for concern for us.”
The statement comes in light of the recent arrest of PTI spokesperson Rauf Hassan by the police from the party’s central secretariat in Islamabad. Currently, Hassan is in the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) under a two-day remand.
Social media is abuzz with several videos showing a significant police presence outside the PTI office during Hassan’s arrest. Addressing the media, Miller expressed personal concern, saying, “I was personally troubled when I saw a spokesperson being arrested.”
Miller reiterated the U.S. stance on upholding constitutional and democratic principles, which include the rule of law, justice, the sanctity of human rights, freedom of expression, and the right to assembly. “We urge that these principles be upheld according to Pakistan’s constitution and laws,” he said.
In recent days, several PTI social media activists have also been arrested. Following the disappearance of PTI’s international media coordinator Ahmed Janjua, PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari accused authorities of abducting five members of the party’s media cell. Bukhari claimed that these actions are attempts to hinder his team’s work and prevent them from reporting to international media.
Previously, the U.S. spokesperson has addressed multiple queries from journalists regarding PTI. In a past press briefing, Miller expressed concerns over the Pakistani government’s announcement to ban PTI, calling it “the beginning of a complicated political process.”
Responding to the potential PTI ban, Miller stated, “We have seen the government’s statements regarding the potential ban of a political party in Pakistan. This is the start of a complex political process.”
Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a resolution calling for an investigation into the February 8 elections in Pakistan. However, Pakistan’s Foreign Office dismissed the resolution, deeming it unconstructive and inaccurate. The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that such resolutions are neither constructive nor purposeful, expressing hope that the U.S. Congress would focus on avenues for mutual cooperation.
