US urges restraint as clashes erupt between PTI protesters and police in Pakistan

The U.S. has called for restraint amid clashes between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters and law enforcement in Islamabad. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller urged both sides to respect human rights and maintain peace during the protests. Tensions escalated after two police officers were killed during confrontations with PTI workers, who are demanding the release of their leader, Imran Khan. The government has deployed the Army in Islamabad to manage the situation. This situation follows previous U.S. calls for Khan's release, as over 60 members of Congress have expressed concern about his imprisonment. The protests have seen PTI supporters defy roadblocks and face police resistance.