While the independent observers are foreseeing worsening political crises in Pakistan with recent arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the US State Department has labeled it an internal matter of the country.
A spokesperson from the US State Department addressed the issue, stating, “The cases against Imran Khan and other politicians in Pakistan are an internal matter. We call for the respect of democratic principles and the rule of law in Pakistan, as we do around the world.”
Surprisingly, US lawmakers, who have historically supported Mr. Khan and his politics, have remained silent on the matter. However, political commentators and experts from think tanks have expressed concern over the recent turn of events.
Michael Kugelman, a respected scholar of South Asian affairs at the Wilson Centre in Washington, took to Twitter to express his views, saying, “Not long ago, Pakistan’s political crisis appeared to be easing a bit, with the government pledging to step down and make way for a caretaker to prepare for elections. But now, with Khan arrested again and indications that elections may be delayed, all bets are completely off.”
Meanwhile, MNA Mohsin Dawar, currently in North America, also voiced his opinion on Twitter, noting the apparent discrepancy in the treatment of politicians in Pakistan. He said, “One PM was convicted on an iqama and now another on selling a wristwatch. Politicians get discredited over such trivial matters while others get away with more serious charges. Politicians keep getting used and then are discarded like Imran Khan. We keep going round and round in circles.”
Across the Atlantic, several supporters of Mr. Khan gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission in London to protest his arrest. Despite the rainy weather, PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) supporters assembled outside the embassy and chanted slogans in favor of their leader.
