The US State Department has expressed concern over reports of freedom of expression being restricted in Pakistan while stopping shy of casting doubt over the upcoming elections. In a scheduled press briefing on Thursday, State Department Deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said the US was interested in continuation of the domestic process and it was up to the people of Pakistan to decide who to vote for. When asked about restrictions on journalism and freedom of expression, he said that such issues would be against Pakistan\u2019s self-stated goal of a free election. \u201cWe also continue to be concerned by any report that may be out there of restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of association and the press,\u201d he added. However, Patel stopped short of drawing a comparison between elections in Bangladesh and Pakistan and said each country was different. \u201cI\u2019m not going to preview \u2013 I\u2019m not \u2013 each country is different and I\u2019m not going to preview actions from up here,\u201d Patel said. \u201cBut again, we want to see free and fair elections around the world, including in Bangladesh, and of course, including in Pakistan as well.\u201d He went on to add that the US would continue to address any issues that were against Pakistan\u2019s own stated intent. The US had imposed visa restrictions on individuals that it believed were involved in undermining elections in Pakistan. Patel also said that he was not aware about Pakistan\u2019s accusations against India regarding killings carried out on its soil. On Iran, he said that he did not have a specific message for Pakistani officials but would welcome any country which presses Iran to stop its illegal activities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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