The US State Department has expressed concern over reports of freedom of expression being restricted in Pakistan while stopping shy of casting doubt over the upcoming elections.
In a scheduled press briefing on Thursday, State Department Deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said the US was interested in continuation of the domestic process and it was up to the people of Pakistan to decide who to vote for.
When asked about restrictions on journalism and freedom of expression, he said that such issues would be against Pakistan’s self-stated goal of a free election.
“We also continue to be concerned by any report that may be out there of restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of association and the press,” he added.
However, Patel stopped short of drawing a comparison between elections in Bangladesh and Pakistan and said each country was different.
“I’m not going to preview – I’m not – each country is different and I’m not going to preview actions from up here,” Patel said.
“But again, we want to see free and fair elections around the world, including in Bangladesh, and of course, including in Pakistan as well.”
He went on to add that the US would continue to address any issues that were against Pakistan’s own stated intent.
The US had imposed visa restrictions on individuals that it believed were involved in undermining elections in Pakistan.
Patel also said that he was not aware about Pakistan’s accusations against India regarding killings carried out on its soil.
On Iran, he said that he did not have a specific message for Pakistani officials but would welcome any country which presses Iran to stop its illegal activities.
