Biden administration urges Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and calls for calm as political protests surge across the country

ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (SABAH): The Biden administration urged Pakistani authorities on Tuesday to respect human rights and called for calm as political protests surged across the country.

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller emphasised the importance of peaceful demonstrations and restraint on all sides.

“We call on protesters to demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence, and at the same time, we call on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Miller said during a press briefing.

The call comes amid escalating protests led by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who demand his release from jail and claim the February election was marred by irregularities. Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, had urged followers to gather in Islamabad to reclaim what he termed a “looted mandate.”

The demonstrators began their approach to Islamabad, clashing with security forces. The protests turned deadly when at least one police officer was fatally shot, and over 20 others sustained injuries, according to Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

In response, Pakistan has bolstered security in the capital, deploying Rangers and increasing police presence.