ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has congratulated Anwaarul Haq Kakar on his appointment as the caretaker prime minister.
“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,” he said in a statement on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.
Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar thanked the US Secretary of State Blinken for his good wishes. He said the caretaker government will assiduously work to facilitate a free and fair election in the country.
The caretaker prime minister said the government places importance on partnership with the United States and deeply values the shared commitment to economic prosperity, democracy and stability in the region.
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
Earlier, the US Secretary of State, in a tweet, congratulated Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on assuming the office of Caretaker Prime Minister.
While extending his wishes to the people of Pakistan on 77th Independence Day, Blinken said Washington looks forward to deepening its partnership with Islamabad to create a more prosperous future for both nations.
He said the US values its 76-year-old relationship with Pakistan and expressed his country’s strong support for Pakistan’s economic success.
The US official extended his wishes to the people of Pakistan. “As we usher in a new year of cooperation, and as Pakistan prepares to hold elections, we look forward to advancing inclusive economic growth, energy security, and promoting peace and regional stability,” he added.
Blinken said they share a commitment to democratic principles and respect for the rule of law that will continue to guide their partnership forward.
US ‘ready’ to work on elections
The United States said it is looking forward to working with the Anwaar-ul-Haq-led interim government ahead of the election due in months.
“We look forward to working with the interim prime minister and his team as they prepare to hold elections,” State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said during a press briefing.
The deputy spokesperson acknowledged that the United States was aware of the allied government’s dissolution and the appointment of Kakar as the caretaker prime minister.
“We, of course, will continue to partner with Pakistan on areas of mutual interest, including our interest on Pakistan’s economic stability, prosperity, and security, and the conduct of free and fair elections and the respect for democracy and the rule of law.”
The spokesperson underscored that the US was in regular conversation with Pakistani leadership to discuss the Afghan situation in detail including through counterterrorism dialogue and other bilateral consultations.
