The State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel expressed the U.S.’s eagerness to work alongside Anwaar-ul-Haq’s interim leadership in Pakistan.
Recognizing the dissolution of the previous coalition and Kakar’s appointment as caretaker prime minister, Patel reinforced the U.S.’s commitment to Pakistan’s economic prosperity, security, democratic governance, and the undertaking of impartial elections.
Regardless of their affiliations, the preceding administration or the opposition politicians have voiced their optimism about Kakar’s ability to oversee transparent elections.
Anticipations and Responsibilities of the Caretaker PM
Assuming a nation engulfed in political and financial tumult, Kakar’s immediate responsibility lies in assembling a cabinet to govern the nation during the protracted pre-election phase. Although the constitution necessitates elections within 90 days post the parliament’s dissolution, recent census data publication means electoral boundaries need reevaluation, potentially stalling the voting process. Given the overlapping security, economic, and political crises, speculations about a voting delay have been rife.
U.S.-Pakistan Dialogues on Counterterrorism and Afghanistan
Answering queries, the deputy spokesperson emphasized the U.S.’s continuous engagement with Pakistan, especially concerning Afghanistan. This engagement extends through bilateral consultations and their joint counterterrorism dialogue. Patel highlighted mutual interests and conveyed the U.S.’s readiness to ally with Pakistan against threats endangering regional stability.
Reiterating the U.S.’s support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, the spokesperson responded to concerns that Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Masood Khan. Khan stated that militant outfits in Afghanistan exploit $7 billion worth of arms abandoned by U.S. forces, thus jeopardizing Pakistan’s security. The ambassador also issued a warning about potential threats to neighbouring nations due to the advanced weaponry in possession of groups like Daesh and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Khan revealed ongoing dialogues with the U.S. to upgrade Pakistan’s arsenal in the battle against terrorism.
