We do not support extra-constitutional changes in Pakistan: US

Deadlock in Pakistan continues between PM Sharif and two key opposition figures seeking his resignation

The US has said that it does not support any extra-constitutional changes in Pakistan, where deadlock continues between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and two key opposition figures seeking his resignation over allegations of corruption and election rigging.

"We support the constitutional and electoral process in Pakistan, which elected Nawaz Sharif as the Prime Minister. That was a process they followed, an election they had, and we are focused on working with Pakistan," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf told reporters.

"We do not support any extra-constitutional changes to that democratic system or people attempting to impose them," Harf said.

The protests against Sharif's government led by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leader Tahir ul-Qadri have virtually shut down Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, raising fears of unrest in the country with a history of military coups.

However, the protests remained peaceful yesterday as PAT and PTI delegations engaged in dialogue with the government to resolve the crisis.