The US State Department has highlighted ongoing dialogues between American officials and their Pakistani counterparts, focusing on human rights and fundamental freedoms. In a recent press briefing, Vedant Patel, the deputy spokesperson for the US State Department, noted that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome have been actively engaging with Pakistani officials. Patel emphasized that these discussions are part of the US’s longstanding commitment to advocating for human rights and fundamental rights of citizens worldwide.
“We have always insisted on respecting human rights and fundamental rights of citizens,” stated Patel in response to a question about Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s statement in the National Assembly that the US resolution on Pakistan’s elections was “interference” when 368 congressmen favored it and seven opposed it. “…our most senior officials, whether that be Secretary Blinken, Assistant Secretary Lu, Ambassador Blome, we have consistently and privately and publicly urged Pakistan to respect the rights of its people in line with its constitution and international commitments,” he said.
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The deputy spokesperson urged the Pakistan government to ensure the protection of freedom of expression and freedom of religion for all its citizens. “We urge the government of Pakistan to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression, freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and the freedom of religion as well,” Patel said, highlighting the core values the US believes are essential for a democratic society.
To another question about whether the US State Department was still asking Islamabad for an investigation into reports of massive rigging in Pakistan’s elections, Patel said America continued to “raise with our partners in Pakistan” and that it remained an area of focus for Washington. Addressing recent political developments in Pakistan, Patel mentioned the case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan, noting that it remains an internal matter for Pakistan. “The case of PTI founder is an internal matter of Pakistan,” he remarked, suggesting that while the US is keen on human rights issues, it respects Pakistan’s sovereignty in handling its internal affairs.
