WASHINGTON: US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller on Tuesday decided not to comment on a question regarding negotiations between the newly elected government of Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
During a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday, Miller deferred to a question about newly elected Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to speed up talks with the IMF. “Let me take it back,” he said.
Responding to concerns about the erosion of free speech in Pakistan, particularly a recent Senate resolution proposing bans on popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Miller reiterated the US stance of supporting free speech.
Miller said Pakistan’s commitment to freedom of expression should be in line with global standards. He condemned any attempts to restrict internet platforms in Pakistan, saying it was necessary to uphold fundamental freedoms in the country.
Regarding recent developments following the formation of Pakistan’s new government, including the investigation into alleged election irregularities, Miller said very pointedly that “Pakistan has had competitive elections. Millions and millions of people have made their voices heard. A new government has been formed and of course we will cooperate with this government”.
However, the spokesman admitted that there had been widespread allegations of alleged irregularities following the election result. “At the same time, irregularities, challenges brought by political parties to the results were reported. We want these challenges and irregularities to be fully investigated,” he added.
