WASHINGTON: The US State Department has requested Pakistan to uphold people’s fundamental human rights after a UN body criticized the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in “politically motivated” proceedings.
Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a press conference on Monday that US officials, including Assistant Secretary Donald Lu, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Ambassador Donald Blome, have repeatedly urged Pakistan to uphold its constitutional obligations and respect the rights of its citizens both in private and in public.
In response to a query concerning the US House of Representatives’ resolution calling for an investigation into the elections on February 8, he made this statement.
The official emphasized the importance of upholding human rights but declined to comment on the proposed legislation by Congress.
He said, “We implore the Government of Pakistan to uphold fundamental freedoms and human rights, including the freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and religion.”
The PTI founder’s incarceration was deemed arbitrary and in violation of international law by the Geneva-based UN Working Group on Arbitrary incarceration, which prompted the State Department to make its remarks.
According to international law, the group stated that the “appropriate remedy would be to release Mr. Khan immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations.”
