WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: The United States expressed its willingness of collaborating with the Anwaar-ul-Haq-led caretaker government, which will guide the nation toward an election in the coming months.
“We anticipate collaborating with the interim prime minister and his team as they make preparations for conducting elections,” remarked Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department, during a press briefing.
The deputy spokesperson acknowledged that the United States had taken note of the dissolution of the allied government and the appointment of Kakar as the caretaker prime minister.
“We will naturally continue to engage with Pakistan on shared areas of interest, encompassing our concerns about Pakistan’s economic stability, prosperity, security, the facilitation of unbiased elections, and the upholding of democracy and the rule of law.”
Furthermore, Political figures from both sides, including the former government and the opposition, embraced the appointment and expressed optimism that the interim PM would ensure equitable and impartial elections in the country.
Kakar’s initial responsibility, as he assumes leadership of a nation grappling with months of political and economic turmoil, involves selecting a cabinet to govern the country throughout an extended election period.
Parliament was officially dissolved the previous week, with the constitution dictating that elections must occur within 90 days.
However, the most recent census data was only released earlier this month, prompting the outgoing government to indicate that the election commission required time to redefine constituency boundaries.
For months, there has been speculation that the election might be postponed as the authorities strive to stabilize a nation confronted by interconnected security, economic, and political predicaments.
US response regarding terrorism in Afghanistan
Meanwhile, in response to a question, the spokesperson emphasized that the US maintained regular discussions with Pakistani leadership to thoroughly address Afghanistan, including engagements through the nations’ counterterrorism dialogue and other bilateral consultations.
“We share an interest with Pakistan in countering threats to regional stability and are prepared to collaborate with Pakistan in addressing militant and terrorist groups.”
Additionally, The spokesperson also expressed the US’s endorsement of the government’s autonomous endeavors to counter terrorism and ensure the safety and protection of its citizens while upholding the principles of the rule of law.
However, this reply followed a statement by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, who indicated that weaponry valued at $7 billion, abandoned by American forces, was now being employed against Pakistan.
The ambassador highlighted that terrorist groups situated in Afghanistan posed challenges not only to Pakistan but also raised concerns for the US.
“Presently, Pakistan is facing attacks, and there’s a possibility that its neighboring countries could encounter similar circumstances. Banned organizations, including Daesh and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, have acquired modern weaponry,” stated the Pakistani ambassador.
Moreover, he mentioned that discussions were ongoing with the US to procure advanced weaponry for combating terrorists equipped with contemporary arms.
“The US has consented to provide cutting-edge weapons and communication devices to Pakistan. We’ve communicated to America that there’s a necessity to augment the capabilities of Pakistani forces in their struggle against terrorism.
