A United States government official refrained from confirming or denying whether Ambassador Donald Blome had met Imran Khan in jail. However, the official confirmed millions of dollars in aid for the security forces in Balochistan.

Matthew Miller, spoeksman for the US State Department, was asked about the reports of Blome’s meeting with Khan in Adiala Jail in a press briefing on Tuesday but said that the question would have to be asked from the embassy.

“So I would – I would refer you to the embassy to – to comment on any meetings the ambassador has had,” Miller said.

However, he reiterated that the US does not favour one Pakistani politician over another.

“But as we have said a number of times, we do not take position – a position on candidates for political office in Pakistan or any other country,” he said.

Miller also did not comment on a letter written by members of the US Congress asking for military aid for Pakistan to be stopped. However, he detailed recent reports of aid package for security forces in Balochistan so they could ‘serve’ their community.

“We’re going to provide $4 million in assistance to expand the anti-terrorist force training facility – $2 million to repair or replace 10 flood-damaged police stations; 2 million to construct 10 new police stations that incorporate the same model to improve service to women, girls, and all Pakistanis; and an additional $250,000 in equipment to protect law enforcement officers in the course of conducting their work,” Miller said.

Miller said that the aid was part of decades-long partnership between the two countries to improve civilian law and order.

The spokesman said that the US government was in constant touch with Pakistan over the matter of return of Afghan refugees and that it urged Pakistan to uphold obligations in treatment of refugees.

“Our key concern is the safety of the vulnerable and at-risk individuals. We believe it is in both our countries’ interest to ensure the safe and efficient resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers,” he said.