US congratulates new Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, says values ties with Islamabad

PTI

Washington/Islamabad, April 14

The United Stated has congratulated Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and said it values the bilateral relationship and is looking forward to continuing the long-standing cooperation, signalling Washington's intent to improve ties with Islamabad under the new regime.

Pakistan's relations with the US have been lukewarm, especially under the Biden administration. The ties touched a new low after former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was ousted last week through a Parliament vote, accused the US of conspiring to dislodge his government. The United States Government has bluntly denied the allegations multiple times.

"Pakistan has been an important partner on wide-ranging mutual interests for nearly 75 years and we value our relationship," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The United States congratulates newly elected Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and we look forward to continuing our long-standing cooperation with Pakistan's government,” he said.

Blinken said the US views a "strong, prosperous and democratic Pakistan as essential for the interests of both of the countries". Responding to Blinken's statement, the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office said it welcomed Washington's reaffirmation of the long-standing ties with Islamabad. —PTI

Nothing to do with politics: Pak Army

Islamabad: The Pakistan Army, apparently ruffled by a vicious social media campaign against it, said on Thursday that it had “nothing to do with politics” and it would remain “apolitical”. The media wing of the Army asserted that Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was not seeking an extension and would neither accept one.

#Pakistan #shehbaz sharif #usa