The United States and United Kingdom have called for a democratic response to the protests against the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.
Imran Khan was taken into custody on Tuesday, from the premises of Islamabad High Court (IHC), where he had gone to seek bail in multiple cases registered against him ranging from terrorism to money laundering.
“The authorities [in Pakistan] should also respond in accordance with the rights and democratic rules,” the US States Department spokesperson said while urging the former premier’s supporters to protest peacefully.
All the protesters are urged to express their concerns peacefully, the spokesperson said over Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
He said that the State Department was aware of the arrest but “US does not have a position” in regard with a specific political candidate or party.
“We demand respect for democratic values and the rule of law throughout the world,” the spokesman added.
On the other hand, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said that his country wanted to see “peaceful democracy” in Pakistan. The statement came during his visit to the US
“We want to see peaceful democracy in that country. We want to see the rule of law adhered to,” the official said.
When asked about the arrest of the former prime minister, Cleverly said:
“I’m uncomfortable to speculate any further without having a detailed briefing on that.”
The PTI chairman was arrested as part of NAB’s investigation in the Al-Qadir Trust case ahead of his appearance before the IHC to seek bail in multiple FIRs registered against him.
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