WASHINGTON: United States has reiterated its commitment to support freedom of assembly, expression and the right of peaceful protest in Pakistan.

This was said by US State Department Spokesperson John Kirby in a press briefing here on Tuesday.

Kirby, in a clear reference to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)’s previous call of a grand protest and sit-in in Islamabad, said that the White House was a strong supporter of freedom of assembly and expression.

However, he also insisted that all political parties in the country should refrain from violence and must respect the rule of law.

“The United States will continue to support freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. It’s well documented that we do that. We talk about it every day, including the right of peaceful protest,” he said.

The spokesperson said the US wanted these rights to be exercised responsibly in Pakistan.

“…We want these rights to be exercised responsibly, and all parties should refrain from violence and exercise restraint and respect the rule of law.”

Replying a question regarding PTI’s protest, he said the US was aware of the reports from Pakistan about protest activity and bans on protest activity but added these were questions that were better answered by Pakistani authorities.