Amid an ongoing crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and activists following recent violent riots, the US State Department has said the arrests should be carried out in accordance with the law.
This statement of spokesperson Vedant Patel has come at a time when hundreds of PTI workers and leaders were arrested for their alleged role in the violent protests that started after the arrest of party chief Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case on May 9. has been taken.
During nearly three days of mayhem, in which at least 10 people were killed and dozens injured, PTI activists damaged public property and stormed military installations across the country.
During a routine press briefing on Monday, the spokesman said the United States believes in nonviolent protests.
He said that government employees or public property should not be damaged during protests and added that the US stand on access to information and freedom of press is clear.
Patel further said that the US has no position regarding any political party or leader in Pakistan.
He also reiterated that a strong, stable and prosperous Pakistan is important for Islamabad-Washington relations.
Last week, the US and UK called for a democratic response to the protests against Khan’s arrest.
“Authorities [in Pakistan] must also respond in accordance with rights and democratic principles,” said a US State Department spokesperson, urging supporters of the former prime minister to protest peacefully.
Earlier today, senior army officials announced that the Pakistan Army Act and the official after the May 9 storming of military installations by PTI activists and supporters, which the army termed as “Black Day”. It vowed to try the protesters and their instigators under relevant laws, including the Secrets Act. “
According to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the decision was taken during a special Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at the General Headquarters under the chairmanship of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir. has been.
“The Forum strongly resolved that those involved in these heinous crimes against military installations and personal/property will be brought to justice through trials under the relevant laws of Pakistan, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act”.
The top army officers also decided that under no circumstances will tolerance be shown against criminals, saboteurs and violators who attack military installations and setups.
Later, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that a decision to try PTI activists under the Pakistan Army Act was yet to be taken after the army warned that the culprits would be brought to justice.
