US raises counter-terrorism pitch with Nawaz Sharif's swearing-in

Washington: Welcoming the formation of the new civilian government in Pakistan led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the US today said it was important to continue working with Islamabad on the key issue of counter-terrorism.

“As we move forward with our counter-terrorism operation, it is critically important that we continue to work closely with our partners throughout the world, providing them with the support they need, helping build their capacity to carry out counter-terrorism operations in their own countries, and that’s what we expect the conversation will be and what it will continue to be with the Pakistanis,” State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters.

The US, she said, has a very strong ongoing dialogue with Pakistan regarding all aspects of the relationship and have shared interest, including security and counter-terrorism cooperation. “We work together to address each other’s concerns,” she said. “We congratulate Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on his party’s success in the May 11th elections and look forward to working with him and the newly democratically elected government of Pakistan,” Psaki said in response to a question at her daily news conference.

“This election marked the first time in Pakistan’s history a civilian government has completed its term and transferred power democratically to another civilian government. “The US stands with all Pakistanis in welcoming this historic, largely peaceful, and transparent transfer of civilian power, which is a significant milestone in Pakistan’s democratic progress,” Psaki said.

Sixty-three-year-old Sharif, nearly 14 years after being deposed in a military coup and forced into exile, was today sworn in as Pakistan’s new Prime Minister for a record third term.

PTI