WASHINGTON: The US urged the government and the protesters in Pakistan on Tuesday to show restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue.

“We believe that all parties should work together to resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue in a way that strengthens Pakistan’s democracy,” State Department deputy spokesperson Marie Harf said at a briefing.

“The United States is keeping a close eye on political developments in Pakis­tan,” she said in reply to a question, while calling on all sides to avoid violence.

“We appeal to the PTI and PAT to pursue a non-violent approach to resolve the issue...Pakistani political parties should work out their differences through dialogue,” Ms Harf said.

“We are carefully monitoring. We urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint and respect the rule of law,” she added.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2014