On Tuesday, the US State Department expressed its support for the Pakistani people’s right to protest peacefully. US Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller called on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and freedoms.
Imran Khan’s Call for Nationwide Protests
The comments from the US came as former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is jailed, called for nationwide protests, with Islamabad as the epicenter. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), stated that the protests aim to achieve three main objectives: the revocation of the 26th Amendment, the restoration of the Constitution, and the release of political prisoners.
Clashes Erupt as Protesters March
As thousands of protesters headed to Islamabad, violent clashes erupted between citizens and the police, as per reports. The ongoing unrest has intensified concerns in Pakistan.
US Calls for Peaceful Protests and Lawful Conduct
When asked about the escalating situation, Miller emphasized, “We support freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. We call on protesters to demonstrate peacefully and avoid violence. At the same time, we urge Pakistani authorities to respect human rights, follow the law, and maintain order.”
Imran Khan’s 470 Days in Jail
Imran Khan has now been imprisoned for over 470 days, PTI reported. Miller also addressed questions about Pakistan’s future, stating, “We support the right of people in Pakistan to protest peacefully. We call on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and freedoms.”
Bushra Bibi Demands Imran Khan’s Release
Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, joined the calls for his release. As PTI convoys moved toward Islamabad for the “Final Call” protests, Bibi told supporters that the march would not end until Khan was freed, as reported. PTI has launched a nationwide protest to secure his release.