US embassy says Pakistan arrests 'extremely disturbing'
ISLAMABAD (AFP) — The US embassy in Pakistan on Monday said the arrest of several opposition leaders was "extremely disturbing" and urged authorities to release them.
The expression of concern is a rare step from the United States, which normally limits criticism of Pakistan and its president Pervez Musharraf, a key ally in the "war on terror".
"The reports of arrests of the leadership of several major Pakistani political parties are extremely disturbing and confusing for the friends of Pakistan," the embassy statement said.
"We wish to express our serious concern about these developments. These detainees should be released as soon as possible."
Dozens of people were arrested over the weekend to prevent further protests against Musharraf's plans for re-election, including Javed Hashmi, the acting chief of exiled former premier Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League party.
Other key figures seized were Raja Zafar ul-Haq, from the same party and Hafiz Hussain Ahmad and Mian Aslam of the pro-Taliban Jamiat-Ulema-e-Islam party.
The embassy statement said the US wanted Pakistan to succeed as a "moderate, modern democratic country led by the choice of the Pakistani people."
"We do not endorse particular candidates or parties," it said.
It reiterated the desire of the US for a "free, fair and transparent process" in elections.
Military ruler Musharraf is set to seek another five-year term in office in a vote conducted by parliament on October 6.
General elections are due by early 2008.
