In a recent briefing, State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller addressed concerns over the safety of prisoners in Pakistan, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, amidst heightened political tensions in the country.
Miller affirmed the United States’ commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all detainees, emphasizing that every individual is entitled to basic human rights and protection under the law.
The meeting between U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome and Pakistani opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan garnered significant attention in the media. While discussions covered various bilateral issues, including economic reforms and regional security, Imran Khan’s party, PTI, expressed concerns over human rights violations and fabricated cases against their leader.
Responding to queries regarding the U.S. stance on these issues, Miller reiterated the country’s neutrality in Pakistan’s internal political affairs. He emphasized the importance of upholding basic human rights but refrained from taking a position on specific political parties or elections.
On the topic of diplomatic engagements in the region, Miller welcomed visits by foreign dignitaries such as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Pakistan. While supporting such interactions, he expressed skepticism regarding Iran’s intentions due to its perceived destabilizing behavior in the broader region.
The briefing highlighted the complexities of navigating political tensions and diplomatic engagements in South Asia, underscoring the United States’ commitment to promoting stability and human rights in the region.
