ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The United States has urged political parties in Pakistan to refrain from violence, and said it strongly opposes any efforts to impose extra-constitutional change to the political system.
“We continue to urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint, and respect the rule of law,” said a statement issued by the US embassy in Islamabad on Thursday.
The statement said that the US embassy has been carefully monitoring the demonstrations in Islamabad.
“Peaceful protest and freedom of expression are important aspects of democracy,” it said.
However, it said, the United States is in no way involved in the process or discussions between parties. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and unhelpful to the dialogue between parties, the statement added.
The statement further said that 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,” the statement said.
