US supports democratic, constitutional and legal principles in Pakistan: Ned Price

WASHINGTON (92 News) - US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price has said that the US supports the peaceful upholding of democratic, constitutional, and legal principles around the world, including in Pakistan.

He was responding to queries during the weekly press briefing on Thursday.

To a question regarding allegations of violence against Pakistan, he said: "We condemn any form of violence. We condemn the threat of violence, any form of violent extremism. The US is a country that has always had at its core key values. One of those is religious pluralism, tolerance for people of all faiths or no faith."

Responding to another question about steps taken by the US regarding alleged crackdown on the Afghan refugees in Pakistan, he said that this is a matter they discussing with the Pakistani counterparts. "We are in regular discussion with our Pakistani counterparts about this. We encourage all states to uphold their respective obligations with regard to Afghan refugees or asylum seekers, and to refrain from returning them to anywhere where they could face persecution or torture."