US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, said that President Biden has requested Congress to approve $101 million in aid to Pakistan which will empower its democracy and human right activities. He appeared before the committee of the American House of Representatives and said that this money will be used to fight against terrorism, supporting economic reform, aiding debt relief, to strengthen the democracy and to advance the human right activities.
Lu also commented on the violation of the rights of women and minorities in Afghanistan, noting that cooperation with the Taliban authorities cannot be restored until Afghan citizens are protected.
Earlier, Matthew Miller, the US State Department Spokesperson, voiced concern over the recent arrests of opposition figures in Pakistan. During a press briefing, he addressed a question about the raid on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) offices and the subsequent arrests of party leaders. Miller acknowledged the reports and expressed worry about these developments.
He added a light-hearted comment about being personally troubled by the arrest of any spokesperson. Miller then emphasized the United States’ stance on upholding democratic principles. He stressed the importance of peaceful adherence to constitutional norms, including the rule of law, equal justice, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly. Miller also highlighted the US support for respecting human rights in such situations.