The United States on Tuesday urged all sides in Pakistan to resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue in a way that strengthens democracy in the country.
“We believe that all parties should work together to resolve their difference through peaceful dialogue in a way that strengthens Pakistan’s democracy,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf said.
She was asked about the situation arising from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) marches on Islamabad. The spokesperson also called on all sides to avoid violence. “We are carefully monitoring. We urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint and respect the rule of law,” Harf added.
Britain, one of Pakistan’s leading partners and a major aid donor, urged the two sides to find a democratic solution to the crisis.
“We strongly support a democratic Pakistan and the use of democratic institutions to resolve political disputes,” British foreign minister Philip Hammond said in a statement.
“I hope that all parties in Pakistan can work together under the Constitution to peacefully resolve current political differences.”
The European Union also voiced its support for democracy in Pakistan and linked it to a highly prized trade deal.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 20th, 2014.
COMMENTS (11)
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USA & British would you guys just stick to your own business? as few roots of these problems are in WASHINGTON. So just SHUT UP.
On the other side its shame scene here in Pakistan as none of the Political Force of the country tried resolve this issue with the dialog on a serious note for the sake of National Interest rather everyone is trying to get something out of it.
The Americans, the British and the Vatican should once again revive their institution of slavery and send some ships to Gwader...... we have lots of well-fed and good- for-nothing politicians and clergies in special offer!!!
I think after Iran & afganistan ,US will send trops to pakistan!!
Back off US /Europe /KSA Pakistan's internal matters do not need your two bits please
DEMOCRACY is a system that delivers FOR THE PEOPLE...........in Pakistan its a system that is structured so that it delivers only for the FEW and can ONLY be amended by the FEW to ensure their hold. So it's not hard to see why democracy is under threat.......the PEOPLE are fed-up.
Amused to see the reaction of commentators here. You ask the world not to comment on your "internal" affairs - but have no hesitation in extending your begging bowl to these same countries! You remain a state only by the benevolence of these same countries!
At the same time, you do your best to interfere in the internal affairs of neighbours. Ok, I'm saying this as an Indian, but can you deny that Afgahnistan says it too?
Can't have your cake and eat it too...
@Ahsan Khan Its your internal matter, but what makes you to think that Obama & David Cameron are going to read your comment right here on Tribune page? LOL
May be US, UK and EU should stop meddling in other countries internal affairs. This continuous meddling in Pakistan's internal affairs would definitely derail democracy in Pakistan.
Dear US, this is Pakistan's internal matter so you can keep your 'advice' where it belongs. Funny how you ask people to 'avoid violence' yet you don't mutter a word against what happens to Kashmiris at the hands of the Indian Army.
Oh please! The US should look at what's happening in Missouri and try to contain the racial mob that prompted the governor to call in state troopers! Britain, well, both of you have nothing to do with what's happening in Pakistan so shut up and mind your own countries.