WASHINGTON: The United States (US) government on Friday once again rejected former prime minister Imran Khan’s allegations of conspiring to topple his govt, saying that America agreed with the Pakistan military spokesperson’s statement in this regard.
The army has categorically said that the word “conspiracy” was not mentioned in the communiqué issued following the meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) last month. The military’s stance came after Imran Khan accused Washington of backing his ouster because he had visited Moscow against US advice.
“You can see clearly whether there’s any word of conspiracy in that statement. I don’t think so,” said Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar at a news conference in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
Addressing a regular press briefing today, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price refuted Imran Khan’s allegations and said that the US government agreed with the military spokesperson’s statement.
“Our message has been clear and consistent on this that there is no truth whatsoever to allegations that have been put forward,” said Ned Price, adding: “We support the peaceful upholding of the constitutional and democratic principles, including respect for human rights.”
He further stated, “We do not support one political party over another whether it is in Pakistan or anywhere else around the world,” adding: “We support broader principles, including the rule of law and equal justice under the law.”
Commenting on DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar’s press briefing regarding denial of a conspiracy at play, the US State Department spokesperson said, “We would agree with it.” Price also felicitated PM Shehbaz Sharif on becoming Prime Minister of Pakistan and vowed to work with the new Pakistan government.
“We congratulate PM Shehbaz Sharif on his election by the Pakistani parliament and we look forward to working with him and his government,” the spokesperson added.
Highlighting the bilateral ties between Pakistan and US, Ned Price said, “For almost 75 years, the relationship between the US and Pakistan has been a vital one. We look forward to continuing that work with Pakistan’s government to promote peace and prosperity in Pakistan and the broader region.”
A day earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on becoming the new Prime Minister of Pakistan. “Pakistan has been an important partner on wide-ranging mutual interests for nearly 75 years and we value our relationship,” a statement from the US State Department read.
