WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday felicitated Pakistan’s Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, adding the US would continue to support efforts of Pakistan for economic prosperity.
Congratulations to new Pakistan Interim Prime Minister @anwaar_kakar. As Pakistan prepares for free and fair elections, in accordance with its constitution and the rights to freedom of speech and assembly, we will continue to advance our shared commitment to economic prosperity.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 16, 2023
Washington Felicitates Kakar, Promises Support for Economic Prosperity of Pakistan
In a statement via social media, he said “Congratulations to new Pakistan Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar. As Pakistan prepares for free and fair polls as per its constitution and the rights of freedom of speech and assembly, we will continue to advance our shared commitment to economic prosperity,”.
Thank you @SecBlinken. The interim government will be assiduously working to facilitate a free and fair election process in Pakistan according to the Constitution. We place importance on our partnership with the US and deeply value the shared commitment to economic prosperity,… https://t.co/6lSlmLvv19
— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) August 16, 2023
Interim Prime Minister Kakar thanked to the US Secretary of State and said, “The interim government will be assiduously working to facilitate a free and fair election process in Pakistan as per the Constitution. We place importance on our partnership with the US and deeply value the shared commitment to economic prosperity, democracy and stability in the region”.
Earlier, the US State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel said that they looked forward to working with interim prime minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar and his team as they (Interim government) prepare to hold elections in the country. The spokesperson further said that Washington wants to cooperate with Pakistan in several sectors, including prosperity, economic stability, security, and the conduct of free and fair polls and the respect for democracy and the rule of law. He added that the Islamabad and Washington have shared interest in regional stability and counterterrorism.
Responding to a question, he said, “The US is in regular communication with the Pakistani leadership to discuss Afghanistan in detail, including through their counterterrorism dialogue and other bilateral consultations”.
The Spokesperson added, “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”. He further said, “We also support the government’s own efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens”.
Earlier, Pakistani authorities highlighted concerns over the $7 billion of military equipment left in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s Ambassador in Washington, Masood Khan, said that this military equipment is now being used against Pakistan by banned TTP, and Daesh terrorist groups.
