The United States emphasized on Thursday that journalists in Pakistan should be given the liberty to report ongoing events without any impediments.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a Washington press briefing, expressed, “We generally urge all governments to respect the role of journalists and media,”
Miller highlighted the crucial role the press plays in fostering democratic societies. “We expect that journalists covering the events in Pakistan should all be allowed to do their work,” stated Miller, emphasizing the importance of a restriction-free press in the evolution of democratic forces.
“A free and independent press is a vital, core institution that undergirds healthy democracies by ensuring that electorates can make informed decisions and holding government officials accountable,” he added.
The pronouncement comes after several cases were registered against journalists and anchorpersons in Pakistan for alleged involvement in the May 9 riots.
Responding to allegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan against the United States. The State Department reiterated its dismissal. “Those allegations are false,” rebuffed the spokesperson.
US State Department spokesperson also emphasized that Pakistani politics should be determined by the people, guided by their constitution and laws, rather than influenced by the US government.