The US State Department has voiced concerns over the arrests of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders. Washington has called on Pakistan to respect human rights and uphold democratic principles.
“We are always concerned when opposition leaders are arrested,” said US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller during a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday.
This reaction comes after the arrest of PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hasan, who is accused of running a digital media cell spreading propaganda against Pakistan. Hasan was arrested on Monday and handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency for a two-day physical remand.
A First Information Report has been filed against 12 PTI officials, including Hasan, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act for offenses like glorification of an offense, cyber-terrorism, and hate speech. Authorities have also sealed PTI’s Central Secretariat, citing fire safety violations.
Since the May 9 riots following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, the party has faced mass arrests and a nationwide crackdown. Many leaders, including Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, are already in custody.
Reacting to Hasan’s arrest, Miller said: “I’m always concerned when I see the arrest of a spokesperson.” He emphasized the need for Pakistan to uphold democratic principles, including the rule of law, equal justice, and respect for human rights like freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Last week, the US expressed concerns over the Pakistani government’s decision to ban PTI and charge its leaders with treason. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had announced plans to ban PTI over alleged anti-state activities. Miller commented that banning a political party would be a significant concern.