United States Reiterates Support for Free and Fair Elections in Pakistan
Washington, Sep 30 – In a reaffirmation of its commitment to bilateral relations with Pakistan, the United States has declared its support for free and fair elections in the country. State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller emphasized that the US does not support regime change and dismissed allegations stating otherwise.
We do not support regime change, Miller firmly stated during the daily news briefing, responding to a Pakistani correspondent’s pointed question. He further highlighted that the US sees Pakistan as a valued partner and continues to collaborate on numerous issues, with no intention of altering their relationship.
The spokesperson also commented on a recent protest rally by Pakistani-Americans outside the White House, stating that the US Constitution allows people to express themselves freely.
Addressing the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Niggar in Canada, Miller revealed that the US has been consistently engaged with the Indian Government regarding this matter. The US has urged India to cooperate with the Canadian investigation, seeking justice for the deceased leader.
Notably, during the meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the issue of Niggar’s murder was not explicitly mentioned in the State Department statement. However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously stated that Blinken would discuss this matter with India.
Hardeep Singh Niggar, known for advocating a Sikh homeland in the form of an independent Khalistani state, was killed on June 18 outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver with a large Sikh population. In July 2020, India had designated Niggar as a terrorist.
Tensions escalated after Canada announced on Sept 18 that it was investigating credible allegations implicating the Indian state in the murder. India swiftly dismissed these allegations as absurd.
During a Council on Foreign Relations event in New York, Minister Jaishankar addressed the matter, emphasizing India’s response in diplomatic engagements. He clarified that the government of India does not support trans-border killings and offered cooperation if Canada provided specific and relevant information pertaining to the case.
India has been consistently vocal against demands from Sikh separatists in Western countries for Khalistan.
The allegations of Indian agents’ involvement in Niggar’s murder made by Canada have cast a shadow over India’s diplomatic achievements following the G20 summit.
In conclusion, the United States has reiterated its support for free and fair elections in Pakistan, rejecting claims of supporting regime change. Pakistan remains a valued partner for the US, with ongoing collaboration on various issues. Additionally, the US has engaged with the Indian Government concerning the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Niggar in Canada, urging cooperation with the Canadian investigation. The allegations made by Canada regarding Indian involvement in the killing have raised tensions between the two countries.
