US President Barack Obama on Sunday said his administration looked forward to continuing cooperation with the new government of Pakistan emerging from Saturday’s historic polls as equal partners for a more stable and prosperous Pakistan.
In a White House statement, Obama congratulated the Pakistani people on a successful completion of Saturday’s parliamentary election.
“The United States and Pakistan have a long history of working together on mutual interests, and my administration looks forward to continuing our cooperation with the Pakistani government that emerges from this election as equal partners in supporting a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for the people of Pakistan,” Obama said.
The White House statement follows Saturday’s violence-marred countrywide polls in Pakistan, which is seen as critical to US end to war in Afghanistan as well as withdrawal of thousands of troops deployed in Islamabad’s western landlocked neighbor.
The PML-N, led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, returned victorious with a clear-cut margin in Saturday’s vote and is preparing to form a new democratic government in Islamabad in the upcoming days.
In the statement, Obama said the US “stands with all Pakistanis in welcoming this historic peaceful and transparent transfer of civilian power, which is a significant milestone in Pakistan’s democratic progress”.
The US president particularly applauded the Pakistanis for exercising their democratic right to vote in defiance of intimidation by violent extremists.
“By conducting competitive campaigns, freely exercising your democratic rights, and persevering despite intimidation by violent extremists, you have affirmed a commitment to democratic rule that will be critical to achieving peace and prosperity for all Pakistanis for years to come,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a separate message, US Secretary of State John Kerry also affirmed Washington’s desire to work cooperatively with the new government of Pakistan to advance shared interest.
He said the National and provincial assembly elections marked an historic step in Pakistan’s democratic journey.
“The Pakistani people stood up resiliently to threats by violent extremists,” Kerry noted in a statement released by the State Department.
“We’ll be working with the new government to advance shared interests including a peaceful, more prosperous and stable future for Pakistan and the region.”
