The US wants to work with a strong, prosperous Pakistan, not a political party or candidate.
During a news briefing on Thursday afternoon in Washington, a spokesperson for the US Department of State refused to speculate on the impact of the current political crisis on the security of Pakistan’s nuclear assets.
“I simply will not speculate on that. When asked if the United States is concerned about the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. Spokesperson Vedant Patel replied, “That is a Pakistani issue.”
In numerous briefings and hearings in Washington, including those held at the White House, Congress, the State Department, and think institutes, the current political situation in Pakistan is frequently discussed.
At a Thursday conference, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack was asked if the turmoil will hurt the nation’s already struggling economy.
At the State Department briefing, Mr. Patel was specifically asked about the recent attacks on military offices and residences. He responded, “We continue to closely monitor the situation in Pakistan, and as the United States has previously stated, we do not support one candidate or political party over another.”
It is in our best interest for Pakistan to be prosperous and secure. This is in the best interest of U.S.-Pakistan relations, he stated.
To a second question about Pakistan’s internet restarting, which was shut off earlier this week. The US official recalled that Secretary of State Antony Blinken also addressed this topic at a recent press briefing.
He added that the internet was necessary for “communicating with one another, making informed decisions, holding government officials accountable, and exercising their right to free speech.”
Mr. Patel disagreed with a journalist’s claim that the US was uninterested in the Pakistani government-Imran Khan issue.
“I would reject the premise of your question,” he responded. We have no favourite candidate or political party in Pakistan or any other government system.
Referring to comparable briefings at the White House, Mr. Patel asserted that his White House colleagues were correct in stating that “a prosperous, strong, and democratic Pakistan is vital to U.S. interests.” That has not changed”.
In certain of these areas, however, such as press freedom and human rights, “we have consistently raised these concerns with our counterparts in Pakistan as well as in other nations,” he added.
Mr. Patel said the US wants to boost private sector trade and investment with Pakistan to deepen economic ties.
In addition to significant security collaboration, there are areas of collaboration on renewable energy. Addressing the climate crisis, expanding agricultural trade, and other areas.
Mr. Patel replied, “Pakistan remains an important partner in the region, both in terms of trade and security.”
