The US State Department said the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan was an internal matter for Pakistan.
The statement was part of a broader discussion by State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel at a press conference that focused on various issues related to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Patel said the United Nations Committee on Arbitrary Detention found that Khan’s detention was unlawful and referred the United Nations for a more detailed explanation of its statement, adding that the United States would not conduct a further assessment of the matter.
Yesterday, the UN human rights group said the former prime minister’s arrest was unjustified and violated international law, and said the detained politician should be released immediately.
He was also accused of “election day fraud, stealing dozens of parliamentary seats”.
The chapter also reiterated its call on Pakistan to respect human rights and freedom of expression, freedom of association, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion.
Asked about the credibility of Pakistan’s elections and allegations of mass fraud, Patel said the US would focus on Pakistan’s elections.
“This is something we continue to do with our partners in Pakistan, yes. It continues to be our focus,” he said.
