ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Urging Pakistan’s government, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) “to refrain from violence, exercise restraint and respect the rule of law” in the backdrop of ongoing Azadi and Inqilab marches in the federal capital, the US embassy in Islamabad Thursday said it was not involved in the dialogue process between the disputing parties.
“Any suggestion to the contrary is false and unhelpful to the dialogue between parties,” a statement read, adding that the US embassy has been carefully monitoring the demonstrations in Islamabad and believes that peaceful protests and freedom of expression are important aspects of democracy.
“Violence and destruction of private property and government buildings are not acceptable means of resolving political differences, however, and we strongly oppose any efforts to impose extra-constitutional change to the political system. The United States 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.”