US embassy says Pakistan arrests ‘extremely disturbing’ ISLAMABAD, Sept 24 (AFP) -The US embassy in Pakistan on Monday said the arrest of several opposition leaders was “extremely disturbing” and urged authorities to release them. The expression of concern is a rare step from the United States, which normally limits criticism of Pakistan and its president Pervez Musharraf, a key ally in the “war on terror” .“The reports of arrests of the leadership of several major Pakistani political parties are extremely disturbing and confusing for the friends of Pakistan,” the embassy statement said. “We wish to express our serious concern about these developments. These detainees should be released as soon as possible.” Dozens of people were arrested over the weekend to prevent further protests against Musharraf’s plans for re-election, including Javed Hashmi, the acting chief of exiled former premier Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League party. Other key figures seized were Raja Zafar ul-Haq, from the same party and Hafiz Hussain Ahmad and Mian Aslam of Jamiat-Ulema-e-Islam party of Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The embassy statement said the US wanted Pakistan to succeed as a “moderate, modern democratic country led by the choice of the Pakistani people.””We do not endorse particular candidates or parties,” it said. It reiterated the desire of the US for a “free, fair and transparent process” in elections. (Posted @ 16:50 PST)
Re: US embassy says Pakistan arrests 'extremely disturbing'
i am not sure why pakistanis pay so much attention to what foreigners say about them. everyday, pakistani papers are full of stories about what american publications are writing on pak and tv news often has as its lead item, statement of u.s. state dept on pak. otoh, i have never seen nytimes or wapo carrying news reports on what dawn or jang is saying about america. essentially our media seems to think that we are inferior nussle compared to americans. i guess we cant expect more from dau takkay kay losers who work or rags like dawn or jang group.
Re: US embassy says Pakistan arrests 'extremely disturbing'
i am not sure why pakistanis pay so much attention to what foreigners say about them.
when our rulers bend over for pleasure of others don't blame nation to read/listen what foreigners say about them.
Re: US embassy says Pakistan arrests 'extremely disturbing'
Not really. Ayub Khan changed that direction by writing "Friends Not Masters", ZAB mostly impressed by socialist block, tried to be more independent and finally Zia-ul-Haq also tried to change his 'Qibla' after misadventure of Afghan war.
Re: US embassy says Pakistan arrests 'extremely disturbing'
Farid!
The things that is disturbing Americans is that why the hell government needs to do it.
When BB, Fazlu, MQM, Q league are all there to stand behind the regime and Nawaz has been ousted, americans are at a loss to understand why catching a few small time leaders is needed.
With so many cracks in opposition, why government is cracking down on opposition thats what disturbs US.
