US opposes any political change in Pakistan through violence and destruction of property
Washington, USA: US opposes any political change in Pakistan through violence and destruction of property
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Monday that protesters had a right to demonstrate peacefully but that it strongly opposed efforts to impose change through violence and destruction of property.
“We have been carefully monitoring the demonstrations in Islamabad. We continue to urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint, and respect the rule of law. Peaceful protest 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.”, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
According to Dispatch News Desk, it was first time in the history of Pakistan, State run Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) building was taken over by violent mob when protesters of Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) took over State run television station in Islamabad and transmissions were suspended. It was noted that Pakistan Army that was responsible to protect state building under article of 245 of Pakistan constitution did not stop mob. Situation on ground shows that Pakistan Army troops have instructions not to take any harsh action against protesters and Army is asking government not to use force against protesters.
Taking over Pakistan Television Corporation Headquarters by workers of Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) and consequent appearance of Pakistan Army troops to the building and asking protesters to leave the building indicates that there are certain instructions to Pakistan Army not to take any action against protesters like arrest or firing against them.
