US says will work with new govt in Pakistan

WASHINGTON: The United States has said that it will work with the new government in Pakistan but stressed that reports of alleged electoral irregularities should be investigated.

“There was a competitive election in Pakistan, millions and millions of people made their voices heard,” the State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday, adding: “A new government has been formed and we will of course work with that government.

“At the same time there were reported irregularities, there have been challenges brought by political parties to the results. We want to see those challenges, those irregularities fully investigated.”

During the press briefing, the spokesperson said that the US supports freedom of expression in Pakistan as it does around the world.

He said the State Department has condemned the partial or complete government-imposed shutdown of internet platforms in the past as well. “We have and will continue to emphasise the importance of respecting these fundamental freedoms during our engagements with Pakistani officials,” he said.