State Department Deputy spokesperson Marie Harf brushed aside the suggestion of regime change. "I in no way am calling on that", she responded, when questioned if the US is calling for Nawaz to step down.
"We support the constitutional and electoral process in Pakistan", the spokesperson said at the daily briefing.
"We do not support any extra-constitutional changes to that democratic system, or people attempting to impose that", she added.
"Nawaz Sharif was elected and he is the prime minister. There is a government that was elected, and is in place", Harf noted in reply to a question.
"While we call on all sides to refrain from violence, we are monitoring the situation. We will continue to work with the Pakistanis."
The spokesperson was replying to questions by journalists who wanted to know about the US position on the ongoing marches in the capital.
She also urged a peaceful political dialogue. "I would caution you from assuming, sort of, where this goes from here. We think there is a path forward here that is peaceful. We know there is a lot of space for political dialogue, but it has to remain peaceful."
The spokesperson checked an Indian journalist against portraying the marches situation in dire negative terms, when he suggested that the situation in Pakistan was grave.
"We caution you from using terms like grave", she stated.
US not involved in negotiations between parties
A statement from the United States Embassy in Islamabad has clarified that the US is not involved in negotiations between parties in light of the recent developments on the political front.
“Any suggestion to the contrary is false and unhelpful to the dialogue between parties,” the statement reads.
Further, the statement says that the US Embassy has been carefully monitoring the PAT and PTI demonstrations in Islamabad.
“We continue to urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint, and respect the rule of law. Peaceful protest and freedom of expression are important aspects of democracy.”
Stressing that the US strongly opposes efforts to impose extra-constitutional changes in Pakistan, the statement says “all parties should work together to resolve differences through peaceful dialogue in ways that strengthen Pakistan’s democratic institutions and rule of law.”
COMMENTS (61)
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US has many faces, proven at number of times
@Xman: dear X man,You are probably insane.Do you not see that for the last 65 years the Foreigners have played havoc with our country.Govts have come and gone and played to the tune of murderers and killers of the Pakistani Nation and Muslims elsewhere in the world. They give loans to their agents and bookies in Pakistan.then dictate their terms and pit one faction against the other. This war on Terror, WMDS in Iraq and Attacks elsewhere are all part of a Plan. Read the Past history. They are gun slingers of the world. Musharraf, Zardari and NAWAZ have Played Havoc with this country.its about time people like Imran and Qadri should stand up for rights of the People. So wake up and see a doctor S.ASIF RASHID
Yes, they support democratic regime in Pakistan, Military regime in Egypt and oh wait..what about the draconian regime of baby Israel too. Not hypocrisy at all!
@Basit Choudhary: Please, Pakistan did not separate from India due to Persecution, it was only a political game using religion. Pls tell me what religious persecution had happenned in India before the demand of Pakistan? If muslims go only religious law, then why TTP is being suppressed since they only demand implementation of Sharial laws. You are an American and you should know what America is saying, that US does not support extra-constitutional means of power change. This is a generic statement and not taking sides with anyone. At least be loyal to your nation and dont misinterpret what statement your nation is making.
Why ask the US to interfere?
Stewart J. Firstly I apologise on behalf of my people who have used very harsh words against the US. I would however point out that Pakistan may have a puny percapita income and maybe we do need aid to thrive, but people are rich. Having assets all over the world, so much money unaccounted for. If we just account for the frozen Swiss bank accounts, oue economy doubles. So I assure u we are well capable of taking care of ourselves on our own, once the corrupt few have been taken care of. Also, your comment implies that US has made so many countries dependant on aid, thats exactly our concern for which we stand with Imran Khan, we want independence 'Azadi'
If the US did not provide aid, do you think a mickey-mouse economy like Pakistan's can maintain such a huge military and a massive nuclear arsenal? Even the USSR buckled under the weight of both. Next time you abuse the US, think about this.
The USA is a nation that separated from Great Britain- what were the reasons? Tax? Unrepresenation? Pakistan is a nation built solely from separating from India- why? Religion? Persecution? As Muslims, we must follow a code not based on law, but religion. As such, we (agreeing with some Pakistanis) cannot fully comply with a leader (Nawaz) who cannot fulfill or acknowledge the pleas of his own people. Resignation isn't a big deal. In a democracy, the minorities' rights are even more important. Imran is simply representing them. As Americans, we should not favor or be biased towards Nawaz and ignore Imran, as America was once a protestor against Britain. "History repeats itself." And revolution is natural. -A concerned Muslim-American P.S. Please don't think badly of us Muslims
US wants Sharif to live another day so he can die the death of Sadam, Hosni and Ghaddafi.
You have a nerve to interfere on the name of constitution to save your puppets Like you have supported, Husni Mubarak, saddam and shah of iran PMLN and other corrupt leaders should know better what will be their end, if not sure take a look at Husni Mubarak, saddam and shah of Iran. It should be Pakistani deciding what is the good for them no one else
Why it is being projected that only US but entire civilized country of the world do not support current mobocracy in Pakistan .
@H.A. Khan:::Whose constitution ? Will you please explain.
It is natural after Ferguson Killings US Govt issued a statement favoring a govt that ordered killings of 14 innocent people in model town. Historically US has always supported Millitary dictators in Pakistan. Now they speak up for a self proclaimed King of Pakistan who has set a bad precedent by Nepotism and politicization of Police and Judiciary. The double standard policies of US will dethrone it from the status of sole super power.
No body is trying to add or change the constitution or the political system just trying to get rid of the corrupt people in the system who stole the mandate from Imran Khan by rigging the election.
What an irresponsible behaviour by the US . You have no rights to talk about internal matters of Pakistan . Get your nose out of Pakistan . Thanks. Sincerly not so anti US - citizen of Pakistan
Pakistan's stand on Gaza in NA is not interference, Double face?
US ,like any country ,has to give its opinion of the situation when asked.It surely wont allow a Taliban-inspired IK from derailing the democracy.PTA and PTI are using the same tactics of intimidation and bullying to force them into power,as TTP has been doing.They have to be stopped like Taliban before they drown the fledgling efforts of the country towards democracy.
USA always support regime that suits to there interest , Nawaz SHarif is serving well the interest of USA in western boarder ...
Good statement by USA. Pti should not be allowed to bully others. They need to follow rules. Everyone should know that if u don't follow rules u will b isolated
Pakistan is a nuclear state and can't afford to have a "Sultan Rahi" at the helm. The US concern and support for sitting government makes sense. Soon the whole global community will follow suite. Anyway, good bye IK, nobody enjoyed your freak show. Next time use constitutional means to bring change, and get some therapy if you still can't think clearly.
Actually US is feeling in the pain of their fake democracy show in Pakistan when its really becoming over.
Then they whine; why do they hate us? Because of your forked tongue that speaks for those that dance to your tune. US will never learn!
Finally someone speaks up for the Government of Pakistan. Thank u, USA
It's our own internal matter we do not want Yankee to intervene in it It shows even shows USA thinks it will b. Impossible to buy IK as he is a man of principle but sadly lot of Pakistanis can't realize it now how sincere is Ik for Pakistan.
Imran Khan should condemn the police millitarization and brutality against citizens of Ferguson, USA and call for charges to be placed against the officer who shot and killed a young, unarmed black man.
Right words at right time. Nawaz is an elected leader. Khan sahib, please wait for another four years. Please for God's sake!
@sana:
The party position ranks in 2013 elections were as forecast by pre-poll survey. The rigging was probably proportionate to the strength in their constituency.
Americans want Pakistan to destroy itself from within since it can't take Pak nukes by force. Sharifs are their stooges who will do the dirty work for them for few pennies. If Pakistanis don't stand up for their rights, Pakistanis will end up just like people of Gaza.
We are back to state where the US influence is crucial to the survival of the NRO regime. After the army refused to get involved, the Americans saw an opening and obviously are supporting their two favorite yet highly maneuverable clowns to further their own political agenda. The timing could not be impeccable, refusal by the army forces meant, Nawaz was looking for international support, and off-course as IK is not in the list of American "GOOD GUYS". They had to maneuver against him.
The masters of democracy have spoken. Is it me or is 'democracy' just some bakwaas thats only applicable when its in your own interest? About time muslims wake up...
US should mind their own business
The people should now realize and open their eyes and see who is standing where !!!!!!! These Americans touts and hand picked people are the ones against whom Imran Khan is fighting and this fight is going to be intense now !
Currently, the US and UK are making a case to invade Iraq, currently pressure is being put on Iran. Nawaz will come under pressure but Imran will stand against it. Plus money can also pour in for Nawaz. In my opinion, that too is a reason for this statement supporting our crippled democracy
International sponsors of Noon ( Khoon ) League to the rescue Shame on them
Please Mind your own business. Else we may also ask whats happening in Ferguson?
I don't know why people continue to ignore reports from independent observers who noted that despite irregularities, elections were largely fair. As far as "bogus" votes are concerned, unverified votes are not necessarily bogus. Any organization that has conducted a major survey in Pakistan will tell you that surveyors often note down CNICs incorrectly - simply because 16 digit numbers are hard to get right, specially in stressful circumstances where there are long queues of people waiting to vote. I don't know why PTI has diverted attention from Karachi, where rigging was apparent. Instead they have focused on Punjab where elections were largely fine.
US only supports their hand picked servants in post-colonian states, as Pakistan. Perhaps we should just accept it as a unchangeable fact, and let the political and business elite rule and loot the country.
Here comes your Master agian
Ya Right. It only supports Dicctators..
Hello US of A, Please mind your own business!
The statement from State Office of US is logical and according to the constitution.
Excuse me?
.......and America asks why is it so unpopular amongst the masses in Pakistan......DUH ?
@sana: Exactly. This statement from US is enough to clarify who in Pakistan is a foreign agent.
Elected by the US for the US
Quid pro quo. Very clever by the state department to come out in favour of nawaz so as to bring some kind of merit to this fitna (revolution) in the making by useful tools qadri and khan. Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Ukraine, Nigeria, Isis etc etc ???????? And now, god forbid, pakistan.
Please, we are not in the mood to take external crap, so buzz off. Don’t pique us, else we might organize the next inqilaab march in DC.
Who cares what they think, want or support. They should stick their head in the sand as they do in the case of Israel.
Same USA is currently supporting Israel's destruction of Palestine.
Lol the US does not support real democracy anywhere. They only want their puppets in place. Nawaz Sharif works for them, not Pakistan.
Does the US support killing of civilians by constitutionally elected PM?
Why Amercians are saying this on Pakistan's internal matter...its only people of Pakistan who can decide who can be their leaders and if some one has stolen their votes they have right to demand his/her resignation....Why did Nixon resign...please have look http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watergate_scandal
US does not support extra-constitutional changes and proof is General Al Sisi of Egypt.
Why dont US mind her own business and deal with baby Israel's brutal entity first.
This is Pakistan`s internal problem & should be handled as such...
How about calling for the audit of 2013 election??? If you support the real democracy than you must also call for free and transparent elections.
“We support the constitutional and electoral process in Pakistan”, the spokesperson said at the daily briefing.
As you did in Egypt.
After this statement even pro Nawaz people should consider supporting Imran.
Finally the king makers come out in favor of their hand picked democracy. First the US, to be followed shortly by the Army.
What a tangled web they weave.