"US lacks commitment in strengthening democracy in Pak"
1 Jul 2008, 1156 Hrs

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Islamabad, July 1 (ANI): The US-based human rights body "Human Rights Watch" (HRW) has reportedly said that Washington lacked commitment in strengthening democracy in Pakistan, which was one of its top allies in global war on terror.

HRW Executive Director Ken Roth, while on a visit to Pakistan, expressed concerns over the US role in Pakistan and criticised Washington for "lacking commitment in strengthening democracy in its ally on war on terror".

He said this during his meeting with US ambassador in Islamabad, Anne W. Patterson.

The HRW executive director also reportedly asked the US ambassador to communicate to Washington his organisation's stance regarding President Musharraf that he was illegally occupying the Presidency.

"Our view is that President Musharraf is illegally occupying the Presidency and he must be held accountable for human rights abuses," the Dawn quoted him as saying.

Roth will remain in Islamabad till July 2 and his itinerary includes meetings with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, senior government officials, and other stakeholders, to discuss measures for embedding human rights in counter-terrorism operations, reinstating the deposed judges, restoring the country's constitution, and holding individuals responsible for rights abuses during periods of unconstitutional rule.

Last evening, Roth called on Pakistan's deposed chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, and renewed his organisation's support for immediate restoration of the pre-Nov 3 judiciary. (ANI)