US has nothing to do with Khalilzad's statements about political situation in Pakistan
Pakistan
Vedant Patel said that Zalmay Khalilzad statements do not represent US foreign policy.
WASHINGTON (Dunya News) – Principal Deputy Spokesperson at US Department of State Vedant Patel while briefing the newsmen in Washington on Tuesday said that the United States has nothing to do with Zalmay Khalilzad's statements about political situation in Pakistan.
He stated this when asked by a newsman that there's a general perception in Pakistan that his (Zalmay Khalilzad's) statements are kind of expressing the sentiments of U.S. Government.
Vedant Patel said "Mr. Khalilzad is a private citizen, and any social media activity or comments or tweets that you might reference, those are done in his private capacity, does not represent US foreign policy, and he does not speak for this administration."
Replying to another question regarding current political chaos in Pakistan, Vedant Patel said any implication of violence, harassment, or intimidation has no place in politics, and we encourage all sides in Pakistan to respect the rule of law and allow the people of Pakistan to democratically determine their own country’s leadership pursuant to their own constitution and laws.
Earlier, Zalmay Khalilzad talked about the triple crisis facing Pakistan - security, economic and political - and urged the stakeholders to focus on the country to improve the situation.
As a reaction, the foreign office asked Khalilzad to refrain from offering advice on Pakistan's domestic issues.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch snubbed Khalilzad for tweeting uncalled for advice on how to steer Pakistan out of crisis.
"Pakistan does not need lectures or unsolicited advice from anyone on how to cope with the challenges we face today. As a resilient nation, we will come out stronger from the present difficult situation," the FO spokesperson said.
Answering another question about the current chaotic situation in the country and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah's threats to Khan, Patel said: "Any implication of violence, harassment, or intimidation has no place in politics, and as we do with our partners all around the world, we encourage all sides in Pakistan to respect the rule of law and allow the people of Pakistan to democratically determine their own country’s leadership pursuant to their own constitution and laws."
"And specifically, for any reaction to the comments, you would have to go to Sanaullah, that’s not for me to speak to," he clarified.
