ISLAMABAD: United States Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour has appreciated Pakistan for its openness and desire to move forward in a practical way to address medium and long term challenges being faced by the country.
Michael Posner said while participating in a Radio Roundtable discussion hosted by “Radio Pakistan” on Saturday.
Michael Posner renewed commitment of the US to work with Pakistani Government in addressing these issues especially strengthening of security legislation, rule of law, capacity building of the judicial system and legal institutions.
He said Pakistan’s judicial system has a fantastic history and building its capacity nation wide would help meet these challenges. He said there are challenges but also opportunities for Pakistan to make progress in different spheres of life.
Replying to a question, he said the US regards its partnership with Pakistan as extremely important and is committed to a long term ally.
He said that there are universal human rights standards and if applied and practiced, these can help provide greater stability and opportunities to people to exploit their potential. He said the US would be working with Pakistan in a cooperative manner for the purpose.
Posner, however, pointed out that it is very difficult to impose human rights agenda on another country as the change occurs from within the country.
He said the United States is ready to extend cooperation in ensuring sustainable democracy, empowerment of women, rule of law, transparency and accountability but it has to be recognized that these issues are for Government of Pakistan and its people to decide.
In response to repeated questions whether drone attacks constitute human rights, the US Assistant Secretary of State said he would not comment on military tactics or operations.
He, however, said in a broader sense that there is government-wide commitment in the US that international standards in human rights should be applied across the board.
Asked why the US was applying different standards to disputed Kashmir and Palestine, the US official said Washington encourages Pakistan and India to work together to discuss and resolve the issue. The US would support the two countries in their efforts to talk to each other. He said there has to be a serious review of the allegations of human rights violations of Palestinians through a credible and accountable mechanism.
To a question about Blasphemy Law in Pakistan, he said it is critical that no law is applied in a discriminatory way or used to settle personal dispute or vendetta. He, however, said it is for Pakistan to debate and decide about the issue. He also condoled with the family of late Governor of Punjab Salman Taseer.
Asked about delay in realization of the plan about Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs), he said there are challenges and an internal debate is continuing in the United States. At the same time, the United States is exploring ways and means to help Pakistan increase economic opportunities for its people.
To another question, he said that the US is working with the Afghan Government to ensure long-term stability and security. It is in the process of training, support and building capacity of its forces so that the US forces can begin their withdrawal.
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