The United States expressed concerns on Tuesday over the raids on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) offices and the arrest of its spokesperson in Pakistan. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated in a press briefing, “We have seen the reports of the arrests of PTI leaders. We are always concerned when we see arrests of opposition leaders. I’m personally concerned when I see the arrest of a spokesperson.”
“We support the rule of law, equal justice under the law, and respect for human rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly,” Miller added. “We urge that these principles be respected in accordance with Pakistan’s constitution and laws.”
The Interior Ministry of Pakistan reported that police raided the office of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s political party in Islamabad on Monday and arrested its spokesman for allegedly conducting anti-state propaganda.
According to the Interior Ministry, Islamabad police conducted the raid on PTI’s digital media wing and arrested Raoof Hasan, a founding member of the party and head of its press department.
Regarding Pakistan’s decision to extend the stay of Afghan refugees for one more year, Miller responded that he would provide further information on this matter later.
When asked about protests during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech in Congress, Miller commented, “We support the right of Americans to protest. It’s one of the things that makes America great and strengthens our democracy. People speaking their minds, whether to the United States government officials or to foreign government officials visiting, we support their right to do so. However, protests should always remain peaceful.”
 offices and the arrest of its spokesperson in Pakistan){kind=link}