US has no role in Pakistani politics, says State Department official
HOUSTON (92 News) - Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Horst has said her country supports democratic principles, freedom of expression, and rule of law equally and around the world, including Pakistan.
She was speaking at the International Conference on Diplomacy for Development Organized by International Academy of Letters in Houston on Tuesday.
She said the United Sates will not allow propaganda, misinformation and disinformation to create hurdles in the way of any bilateral relationship, including valued partnership with Pakistan.
She made it clear that the United States does not have a position on one political candidate or party versus another.
Elizabeth Horst also rejected allegations against Assistant Secretary Don Lu as categorically false, adding that they have communicated this publicly and privately. She said the United States is willing to work with any government chosen by the people of Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan said that Pakistan and America will continue to work together to achieve the shared goals of peace and stability in the region.
He said the two countries have agreed to make joint efforts to prevent and combat terrorism and violent extremism, which is a bane for any society or vicinity. "In this context, it is important to start US counterterrorism programs for Pakistan’s capacity enhancement."
About Afghanistan, the ambassador said that stabilization of Afghanistan is important for Pakistan and the United States, adding that the Afghan Interim government has been asked to restore women’s rights to education and employment.
He also expressed gratitude to the United States for supporting the approval of Pakistan’s US$ 3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with the IMF. He also expressed gratitude to Pakistani-American leaders for reaching out to US Senators and congressmen to add their voices to the calls for early approval of IMF’s Pakistan package.
Talking about Pakistan-US relationship, Masood Khan said that Pakistan and the United States have a rich legacy of a cooperative relationship that provides a basis for building our ties in the emerging global and regional geo-political milieu. He said the countries need to liberalize visa regimes for enhancing people-to-people contacts and exchange of students, academics, business leaders and professionals.
Shedding light on Pak-China relations, Masood Khan said that Pakistan has pursued connectivity through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to leverage its economic geography. He further said Pakistan’s defense and economic ties with China will continue to flourish in the future.
