US Secretary of State expresses his worries over image and progress of Pakistan
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*WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that restrictions on media outlets and civil society undermine Pakistan's image as well as its ability to progress.*
He was addressing a news conference organised by the Washington Foreign Press Centre here on Tuesday. "We are aware of significant restrictions on media outlets and civil society, more broadly in Pakistan," he said.
Responding to a question, Blinken said, "Here again a vibrant free press, an informed citizenry are key for any nation and its future, including Pakistan. I think these practices that we see undermine freedom of expression, they undermine peaceful assembly. They undermine Pakistan's image as well as its ability to progress."
The Secretary of State underlined that the US takes up this issue with Pakistan at regular intervals. "It is something that comes up both in our direct engagements and in the work that we're doing every day," he added.
