US says it looks forward to work with new Pak government

Washington, July 27: Despite the deterioration in their ties and expressing doubts over Pakistan's recently held general elections, the US has said that it looks to work with the new government in Islamabad, the country's state department said on Thursday, July 26.

"As Pakistan's elected leaders form a new government, the United States will look for opportunities to work with them to advance our goals of security, stability, and prosperity in South Asia," the state department's spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also expressed concerns over reports of attack on freedom of expression, association and press in the run-up to the elections. The person also said that they were waiting for Pakistan's electoral authorities to announce the official results.

The results of the July 25 elections were delayed by technical glitches while most parties alleged that it was rigged to oust them. Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the leading party though it was yet to be officially confirmed that it was the winner.

Supporters of the PTI, however, started celebrating the projected results.

Khan also addressed the country in a presidential style on Thursday (July 26) night expressing his views on Pakistan's internal and external affairs. He also said that he would like to improve ties with neighbour India. He said that he wanted to have good relations with India and if the latter one step, his government will take two steps forward.

However, concerns were still there over Khan's past remarks threatening to shoot down American drones if they entered Pakistani territory in his government.

Pakistan's all-weather ally China also recently expressed its will to work with the new government of Pakistan.