The arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan sparked widespread unrest in Pakistan, prompting the top ambassadors of the United States and the United Kingdom to demand the “rule of law” be upheld.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “We just want to make sure that whatever happens in Pakistan is consistent with the rule of law, with the constitution.”
Speaking alongside Blinken, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly mentioned Pakistan, a member of the Commonwealth, as having “a longstanding and close relationship” with Britain. “We want that nation to experience peaceful democracy. Cleverly stated, “We want to see the rule of law upheld.
Both declined to comment further, with Cleverly claiming he hadn’t received an exhaustive review of the circumstances.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “As we have said before, the United States does not have a position on one political candidate or party versus another.”
Anwar Iqbal in Washington furthered that the United Nations stated on Tuesday that it will keep an eye on the political climate in Pakistan in the wake of Imran Khan’s imprisonment to ensure that all political actors in the nation were given equal treatment.
When questioned about Imran Khan’s detention, Farhan Haq, the UN Secretary-General’s deputy spokesperson, said, “Our concern is making sure that all of the political figures in Pakistan are treated fairly and, of course, that the due process is followed.”
Haq continued, “So, we will follow this process as it goes on to make sure that our concerns are being addressed.”
