In the latest State Department briefing, spokesperson Mathew Miller refrained from affirming claims that the United States is actively working to secure the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently under detention. Miller emphasized that the United States was not going to take a position on the issue.

The state department spokesperson was asked to confirm or deny reports that “a senior senator claimed that United States is working closely with the Pakistani authorities to end [Imran Khan\s] unjust detention.”

The question was asked a day after the state department said that it wanted to ensure safety of every prisoner including Imran Khan.

Furthermore, amidst rising concerns over the treatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Miller urged Islamabad to reconsider the deportation of Afghan nationals, including journalists, students, and individuals born in Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and efficient resettlement of these individuals, highlighting ongoing communication with Pakistani authorities regarding U.S. resettlement and immigration pathways.

In response to a question about recent reports linking the banned Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to suicide attacks, including the tragic killing of five Chinese engineers, Miller reiterated the United States’ commitment to working with Pakistan to address the shared threat posed by terrorist groups in the region.

The following is an excerpt from the transcript of Miller’s briefing.

QUESTION: Can I just ask my question, please? Thank you. A few media analysts and experts in Pakistan are discussing the expected release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, while a senior senator claimed that United States is working closely with the Pakistani authorities to end his unjust detention. I haven’t seen any evidence of this claim, but is it true or is it fake news?

MR MILLER: We – no. We do not take a position on those matters. Those are matters for the Government of Pakistan to decide.

QUESTION: A Pakistani military spokesperson that said that Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan is involved in the suicide attacks in Pakistan, including the killing of five Chinese engineers, while we’re also seeing some reports where U.S. asked their diplomatic staff and U.S. citizens to stay away from troubled areas in Karachi and some other parts of the country. How concerning is the security situation in Pakistan for the U.S.?

MR MILLER: So Pakistan has suffered a great deal at the hands of terrorists. We regret the loss of life and injuries sustained, and offer our heartfelt condolences with those affected by this attack, and remain committed to working with Pakistan to address the shared threat posed by terrorist groups throughout the region.

QUESTION: So do you have any comments on the treatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan? Because after reporting thousands of our illegal Afghan refugees, now Pakistani Government started deporting those who have their documents – include journalists, students, and even those who were born in Pakistan. What are your comments on this treatment of Afghan refugees?

MR MILLER: So we have been in close – I’ve spoken to this before – we’ve been in close and constant communication with the Government of Pakistan on the safety of individuals in U.S. resettlement and immigration pathways. We will continue to work with the Government of Pakistan to address any issues or concerns. It is in both our countries’ interests to ensure the safe and efficient resettlement of those individuals. And we will continue to encourage Afghanistan’s neighbors, including Pakistan, to respect the non-return advisory, given the dire situation in Afghanistan, and to coordinate with international humanitarian organizations to provide humanitarian assistance, and to support the implementation of critical protection screening mechanisms.