The United States refuted allegations on Thursday that it was interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs by voicing support for beleaguered Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the US Embassy said Washington was in no way involved in the negotiations or discussions between the parties.
“Any suggestion to the contrary is false and unhelpful to the dialogue between parties.”
The embassy statement added that the US has been carefully monitoring demonstrations being staged by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) in Islamabad and urged all sides to exercise restraint.
“Peaceful protests and freedom of expression are important aspects of democracy… We continue to urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint, and respect the rule of law.”
The statement also made it clear that the US would strongly oppose any efforts to impose extra-constitutional change to the political system.
“Violence and destruction of private property and government buildings are not acceptable means of resolving political differences.”
It added that the US firmly believes all parties should work together to resolve differences through peaceful dialogue in ways that strengthen Pakistan’s democratic institutions and rule of law.
On Wednesday, the State Department threw its weight behind Premier Nawaz and stressed that he was the constitutionally elected chief executive of the country. Hours after the statement, PTI chief Imran Khan strongly criticised the US for backing Nawaz and accused Washington of meddling in Pakistan’s internal matters.
The strong remarks by PTI chief prompted the US Embassy in Islamabad to deny his claims that Washington was involved in the process of discussions between the political parties.
Separately on Thursday US Ambassador Richard Olson met Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and senior party leader Chaudhry Parvez Elahi amid ongoing anti-government protests. A statement by the PML-Q media office said issues related to the current political situation were discussed during the meeting. The Chaudhry brothers also met the Chinese ambassador on Thursday.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2014.
COMMENTS (15)
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There was no need for the US to make the statement in the first place.......I thought that in the eyes of the people, it damaged NS more than helped him,
Both IK and TUQ are changing stance and are not men of words. I was fond of Imran and thought that he is man of words but he has proved otherwise. He is Power hungry and thinks that he is the only one who is capable to steer this country out of the mess of 68 years. He is no good than Tahirul Qadri Both of them are exploiters TUQ is proved Liar as seen on the subject of Blasphemy He is saying one thing in Urdu in Pakistan and Contrary to that in Denmark 180 degrees Turn What a Shame Same is IK using Bizarre Language in his personal vengeance to Nawaz Sharif IK is total Failure in the province where his party is in Power He has not been able to use the Development Funds in whole ONE YEAR Waht a poor performance and Governance. I pray Allah SWT that sense prevail and save this Nation from these Hippocrates Aamen
@Blithe: In case you don't know, it is allowed in the US and in the UK to hold peaceful protest demonstrations. The PTI is holding peaceful protests in Islamabad and it is their constitutional right to do so. It should be noted that protests are held in front of the White House and on the 10 Downing Street. Remember the Occupy Wall Street protests.
Washington has nothing to do with our goodwill rwefare r things like that...it just worships its own interests..I do not support ik'demand of NS resignation but interference from anywhere is also unwelcome.
Could the US deal with their problems of racism in Ferguson and not misuse their privilege in Pakistan. The clarifying statement too is intervention.
@ Blithe: Do you have single brain cell. Why would/ should Imran try this stint in Washington?
I May not adore IK beliefs but i have firm faith in our future, because public in general are now out there in Islamabad to get pakistan rid of these politicians for once and all
When you run out of substance rubbish the USA - classic IK.
Isn't is strange that 1st USA interfered and now it refutes its interference? I have remarked earlier that our Foreign Ministry should have taken it up and summoned USA Ambassador to foreign ministry and lodged strong protest but it kept mum but Imran took note of it and raised his voice against it. Pakistan is as sovereign and independent country as USA itself hence none on the face of earth can talk directly or indirectly about our politics. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
Interference does not mean you need to be involved in dialogue or discussion or mediation. The point that the US commented was interference, the state department news conference was interference. We dont need your policy statements. Zip it!
“Violence and destruction of private property and government buildings are not acceptable means of resolving political differences.” I don't see any protester doing any violence or destroying property. Nawaz Sharif is being accused of rigging the elections and he has refused to have thumb verification in the 4 constituencies demanded by IK initially a year ago. Why was NS so afraid to have the verification done, if he would have allowed the verification that time , we would not be in this mess today. There is no doubt of iinterference by US, just by throwing support behind a person who is being accused of rigging the elections. I don't think the American people will stand for any rigged election in the US, whether national or State. President Nixon tried to subvert the democratic process and he was thrown out of the office. I think since NS has obliged the US government by going into North Waziristan which they have been demanding for over a decade and now is the time to recepcrate the favor. Little they understand that NS is standing on the very shaky ground now and his brother will be prosecuted for the massacre that he ordered in Model Town Lahore. I thought US government is smart enough not to bet on a losing horse but they are, it reminds me of the Shah of Iran. Now we are expecting the Saudis to jump in, they think it is their right to interfere in the internal affair of Pakistan.
Im not really on IK's side and as an American resident, I love the US. But this statement is just a load of crap. The embassy says they are not interfering in any way and then the ambassador is meeting with politicians... how is it that the two things are consistent? The least talented/laziest people go into the government in the US and you can see what that results in...
I'd like IK to try this stunt in Washington/ London and TuQ in Toronto !
It is NOT democratic to occupy a space illegally without proper permission .
PTI is a bogus party that can't come in though a proper election ! iK's only workable idea is to hijack the Isloo and refer to himself in the third person as "PM Imran Khan".