The Biden administration has requested $101 billion in aid for Pakistan to combat terrorism, support economic reforms, and provide debt relief, announced US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu.
Before the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Lu emphasized the need to provide financial assistance to Pakistan to support the economy, democracy, and human rights.
“The US president has requested $101 million in aid for Pakistan,” Lu stated. “This aid is crucial for supporting Pakistan’s ongoing efforts in combating terrorism, implementing economic reforms, and addressing debt relief.”
“We support the peaceful upholding of constitutional and democratic principles, including the rule of law, equal justice under the law, and respect for human rights like freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly,” he affirmed.
Earlier in the day, Spokesperson of US State Department Matthew Miller also reiterated his support for the upholding of democratic values and human rights in Pakistan.
The State Department of the USA expressed concern over the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf leader Imran Khan. The department has urged Pakistan to respect human rights and uphold democratic principles.
“We have seen the reports of the arrests of PTI leaders. We are always concerned when we see arrests of opposition leaders,” said US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller while speaking at a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday.
Read more: US State Department concerned over opposition leader’s arrest
Miller reiterated the US commitment to supporting democratic values and justice. “We support the peaceful upholding of constitutional and democratic principles, including the rule of law, equal justice under the law, and respect for human rights like freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly,” he affirmed.
“We urge that these principles be respected in accordance with Pakistan’s Constitution and laws,” Miller added. The statements came following the arrest of PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hassan on Monday. Hassan was arrested during the raid at the secretariat in Islamabad on Monday. FIA has accused him of disseminating anti-state propaganda.