The United States administration has said that it was ready to work with Pakistan to combat militant and terrorist groups, as the South Asian country deals with a fresh increase in militancy.
“We have a shared interest with Pakistan, quite candidly, in combating threats to regional stability and remain ready to work with Pakistan to combat militant and terrorist groups,” United States Principal Deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a press briefing on August 15.
He was responding to a query pertaining to the Pakistani authority’s concerns over the $7 billion worth of military equipment left in Afghanistan. Pakistani Ambassador in Washington Masood Khan claimed that the military equipment was being used against Pakistan by banned terrorist organisations.
Patel responded that the administration was in regular contact with the Pakistani leadership to discuss Afghanistan in detail, including through the counterterrorism dialogue and other bilateral consultations.
He added that the US supported Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in a manner that promotes the rule of law.
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“I don’t have anything additional to offer. Obviously, our Department of Defense colleagues can speak to specific systems and assets.”
Pakistan thwarted an attack on August 13 after terrorists attacked a military convoy in Balochistan’s Gwadar district on August 13. At least two terrorists were killed. China condemned the terrorist act and asked the Pakistani authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and take action to keep Chinese nationals safe.
The United States administration has said that it was looking forward to working with interim Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaarul Haq Kakar.
“We look forward to working with the interim prime minister and his team as they prepare to hold elections,” the US principal deputy spokesperson said in response to another query.
He was responding to a query pertaining to newly sworn in caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar under whose watch the country would have a transition from an interim setup to a full-time government.
Kakar became the eighth interim prime minister of Pakistan on August 14 to see the country through to an election due in months.
Patel said: “We, of course, will continue to partner with Pakistan on areas of mutual interest, including our interest in Pakistan’s economic stability, prosperity, and security, and the conduct of free and fair elections and the respect for democracy and the rule of law.”
The United States said earlier this month it was watching with concern the prospect of election violence.
“We, of course, will continue to partner with Pakistan on areas of mutual interest, including our interest in Pakistan’s economic stability, prosperity, and security, and the conduct of free and fair elections and the respect for democracy and the rule of law,” said Patel.
