US urges protesters in Pakistan to be peaceful, wants gov’t to respect human rights
WASHINGTON (AA) – The US State Department has urged Pakistani authorities to “respect human rights” and has called on protestors to “demonstrate peacefully” as opposition protestors took to the streets.
During a press briefing, Spokesman Matthew Miller said the US supports freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
“We call on protesters to demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence, and at the same time, we call on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and to ensure respect for Pakistan’s laws and constitution as they work to maintain law and order,” said Miller.
Thousands of protesters pushing for the release of jailed opposition leader Imran Khan entered the capital Islamabad amid clashes with security forces that left several security personnel and civilians dead and others injured.
Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for nationwide protest rallies and asked people to descend on the capital to take back the “looted” mandate in the wake of alleged poll rigging in the February 8 general election, the release of political prisoners, as well as undoing controversial changes in the South Asian nation’s judiciary.
On Sunday, protesters began marching towards Islamabad, which has been fortified with heavy security, including paramilitary Rangers.
The government said that several injured security personnel are critical, as a result of firing by protesters.
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