US asks Pakistan to respect fundamental freedoms

WASHINGTON: The US Department of State on Wednesday called on Pakistan again to respect freedom of expression and restore access to social media platforms.

“We are concerned by any report of restrictions on the exercise of the freedom of expression and association in Pakistan including partial or complete government imposed internet shutdowns which includes, of course, social media platforms,” the department’s spokesperson Matthew Miller said adding, “We continue to call on Pakistan to respect freedom of expression and restore access to any social media that has been restricted including Twitter,” which is now known as X. “We have and will continue to emphasise the importance of respecting these fundamental freedoms during our engagements with Pakistani officials.” the spokesperson said during the daily briefing. He also repeated that the US wants to see a full investigation into any claims of electoral irregularities. “I don’t want to comment on the government before it’s formed,” the spokesperson said responding to a question about the setting up of a new coalition government in Pakistan. “Ultimately, as is the case, whenever you see coalition politics taking place inside any given country, it’s a decision for that country itself, not something that we will weigh in on,” he said.