A spokesperson of the US State Department avoided to comment on ongoing political situation in Pakistan, saying he didn’t have anything to say on “internal or domestic politics or dynamics there”. Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson, chose to stay away during a press briefing when a journalist sought his comment on US Congress member Brad Sherman’s statement that the United States should side with democracy and not with the leaders more pliable to Washington.“Our belief is that we would support and look forward to engaging any government in Pakistan that is reflective of the will of the Pakistani people. And we certainly don’t have anything to say on internal or domestic politics or dynamics there. And I would refer you to Congressman Sherman to speak to his comments. I’ve not seen those,” Mr Patel replied.

When he was asked about the Pakistani government’s attempts to weaponized the blasphemy laws against Imran Khan and his party leader, the US official replied: “What I would say is that we strongly oppose laws that impede the ability of any individuals – irrespective of their national identity – to choose a faith, practice a faith, change their religion, not have a religion, or tell others about their religious beliefs and practices”.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP