Wendy Sherman: “I would like to address recent events in Pakistan. In evaluating those events, some would say that America should root…”

“I would like to address recent events in Pakistan. In evaluating those events, some would say that America should root for whichever political leader styles themselves as more pro-American and has been easier for us to deal with on this or that bilateral issue. I would say--and I think the State Department agrees--that what comes first is our dedication to democracy and the rule of law. Imran Khan was difficult for us to deal with; Prime Minister Sharif is somewhat easier. The question is democracy and the rule of law. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that there should be provincial elections in Punjab and later on in another province. That is the rule of law. I believe that supreme court has ruled that its initial ruling is final and unappealable, and the supreme court has ordered that the funds be released as are necessary to hold those provincial elections. America stands not with this policy or that policy or a government that will agree with us on this issue or that issue. America stands for democracy and the rule of law. America also stands for human rights and the right of free speech and the right to express one's opinions. I, of course, have been concerned about some of the terrible disappearances, some of the abuses of human rights, some of the substantial evidence of torture. We need human rights and democracy in Pakistan. We need the rule of law.…”