US urges restraint on both sides in Pakistan protests

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) has appealed for restraint from Pakistani authorities and the PTI protestors who are marching towards Islamabad’s D Chowk to call for the release of jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In a press briefing at the State Department, spokesman Matthew Miller was asked to comment on the PTI protest march in Pakistan.

PTI protestors reach near Zero point Islamabad

“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,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters in Washington, DC.

“In Pakistan and around the world, we support freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association,” the spokesperson said.

The statement comes after clashes erupted between the police and the PTI protestors in the federal capital. Four rangers have been martyred after PTI protestors ran over them.