US Urges Pakistan to Respect Human Rights as PTI Mobilizes for Imran Khan

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on Tuesday that the US has urged Pakistani authorities to uphold fundamental freedoms and human rights including the right of the PTI demonstrators to peacefully demonstrate.

The federal government has threatened to stop PTI vehicles from traveling to Islamabad from all over the country to seek the release of its imprisoned founder Imran Khan from arriving at D-Chowk, the capital’s chosen destination.

Heavy police deployments show that the authorities are prepared to use force if needed, and containers and barbed wire have been put strategically to prevent PTI supporters from moving.

Miller was questioned about the PTI supporters demonstration and their alleged disputes with the police during the State Department briefing earlier today.

He said, “In Pakistan and around the world, we support freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. We call on protesters to demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence and at the same time, we urge Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms ensuring adherence to Pakistan’s laws and constitution while maintaining law and order.”

This declaration comes after the government cracked down on the PTI’s “do or die” demonstration in the nation’s capital. The protest was postponed from its original November 24 date because PTI officials stated they were in “no hurry” to get to Islamabad. Supporters from all over the nation persisted in defying police in an attempt to participate in the protest in spite of arrests, baton charges and tear gas.

The Punjab government and police said that a constable had been killed by “miscreants” at the Hakla intersection while PTI convoys were passing by.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared last week that the PTI’s planned protest was illegal and ordered the federal government to take all necessary steps to keep Islamabad law and orderly without interfering with daily life particularly in light of the Belarusian president’s three day official visit.