The US has said it has “shared interests with Pakistan in terms of security and stability” and enjoys a healthy military-to-military relationship with the Pakistan Army, Samaa TV reported.

The US Department of Defence Spokesman John Kirby said, “We recognise that we have shared interests with Pakistan with respect to security and stability…And we do have a healthy military-to-military relationship with (the) Pakistani armed forces.”

Mending fences with the US would be one of the top foreign policy priorities for the new government, according to a Dawn report.

Experts opine that unlike his brother and three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz enjoys cordial relations with the powerful Pakistan Army, which has ruled the coup-prone country for more than half of its 75 years of existence and has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

The powerful army had, however, distanced itself from recent high voltage political tussle between Shehbaz Sharif and Imran Khan, saying it has nothing to do with politics.

The United States' statement comes days after Shehbaz Sharif took the oath of office and replaced Imran Khan as the new Prime Minister of Pakistan

In response to a question on the election of Shehbaz as the prime minister and the allegations of Khan against the US, Kirby said, "I think you can understand that we're not going to comment about domestic politics inside Pakistan." The Pentagon spokesperson said the US recognises that Pakistan plays a key role in the region. "We recognise that Pakistan and the Pakistani people are, themselves, victims of terrorist attacks inside their own country," he added.

Replying to a question on any possible US action if Pakistan's military intervenes amid street protests organised by former prime minister Khan, Kirby said he does not foresee any US military role in Pakistan.

When asked if the Pentagon is concerned with former Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan blaming the US and the US military for his removal from the office, Kirby replied he cannot comment on Pakistan’s internal political situation.

He added that the US recognises Pakistan’s key role in the region and the sacrifices the country has made while fighting terrorism.

The reporter asked if the US is prepared in case of a possible military intervention as Khan takes the crisis to the streets by holding large public rallies.

Kirby said the US doesn’t see any military role in Pakistan, while reiterating he will refrain from commenting on Pakistan’s domestic politics.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that a prosperous and democratic Pakistan is critical to the US’ interests

On Monday, hours after Shehbaz was elected as the prime minister, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki had said that a democratic Pakistan was critical to US interests. Jen Psaki said that a prosperous and democratic Pakistan is critical to the US’ interests, before adding that both countries have a “long, strong and abiding relationship”.

"We support the peaceful upholding of constitutional democratic principles, we don't support one political party over another," she told a press briefing at the White House.

“We value our long-standing cooperation with Pakistan and have always viewed a prosperous and democratic Pakistan critical to the US interests. That remains unchanged regardless of who the leadership is,” said Psaki.

References:

hindupost.in