Washington (PTI): Amidst deepening political crisis in Pakistan, the United States on Wednesday conceded that it is a difficult situation in Pakistan but said that Washington supports freedom of speech and expression.

As reports of massive crackdown, arrest and detention of the opposition leaders supporting the march came out, the State Department asserted that it supports freedom of speech, expression and assembly in Pakistan.

State Department's Acting spokesman Robert Wood told reporters at his daily press briefing that the US stand has been that it supports freedom of speech, of expression, and of assembly in Pakistan.

"What we think is important is that the various parties try to resolve their differences within the political system of Pakistan in accordance with its constitution with respect for the rule of law," Wood said.

With stakes very high, the Obama Administration would closely monitor the situation. "But at this point, we want to see all parties refrain from violence and act in accordance, as I said, with Pakistan's constitution," Wood said.

"What we want to see happen on the ground in Pakistan is that the opposition parties, the Government act in accordance with Pak constitution. As long as the various parties are refraining from violence, acting in accordance with the rule of law, that's what we'd want to see happen," Wood said.