WASHINGTON: The United States said on Tuesday it looks forward to working with the interim government led by Anwar-ul-Haq, which will see the country through elections within months.
“We look forward to working with the interim prime minister and his team as they prepare for the elections,” State Department principal deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said during a press briefing.
The deputy spokesman admitted that the US was aware of the dissolution of the coalition government and the appointment of Kakar as caretaker prime minister.
“Of course, we will continue to partner with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest, including our interest in Pakistan’s economic stability, prosperity and security, the conduct of free and fair elections and respect for democracy and the rule of law.”
Politicians from both sides – the former government and the opposition – had welcomed the appointment and hoped that the caretaker prime minister would ensure free and fair elections in the country.
Kakar’s first task — as he takes charge of a country that has been reeling from months of political and economic instability — is to choose a cabinet to run the country as it heads into an election cycle that will last months. May continue.
Parliament was formally dissolved last week, with elections to be held within 90 days, according to the constitution.
But the latest census data was finally released earlier this month, and the outgoing government said the Election Commission needed time to redraw constituencies.
There has been speculation for months that the vote would be delayed as authorities struggle to stabilize a country facing overlapping security, economic and political crises.
Terrorism and Afghanistan
In response to a question, the spokesperson stressed that the US is in regular discussions with the leadership of Pakistan to discuss Afghanistan in detail, including counter-terrorism talks between the two countries and other bilateral consultations. Is.
“We have a common interest with Pakistan in addressing threats to regional stability and are ready to work with Pakistan to counter militant and terrorist groups.”
The U.S. also supports the government’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of its citizens by promoting the rule of law, the spokesman said.
His reaction was to the statement of Masood Khan, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, in which he said that $7 billion worth of weapons left with the American forces are now being used against Pakistan.
The ambassador said that the terrorist groups in Afghanistan are not only a problem for Pakistan, but this problem is equally for the United States.
“Today Pakistan is under attack and tomorrow its neighbors may also suffer the same fate. Banned organizations including Daesh and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan have sophisticated weapons,” the Pakistani ambassador said.
He said that talks are going on to get the latest weapons from America to fight the terrorists armed with modern weapons.
“The US has agreed to provide Pakistan with the latest weapons and communication equipment. We have informed the US that there is a need to enhance the capability of Pakistani forces in the fight against terrorists.”
