US ‘encouraged’ by announcement of elections

The United States has termed the announcement of elections by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the completion of the government's term encouraging, saying that they hope for a peaceful and fair election.

According to an international news organisation, these views were expressed by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Elizabeth Horst who also expressed commitment to a sustainable partnership with Pakistan.

In her statement, the deputy assistant secretary of state described the unexpected rains and floods as major challenges for Pakistan due to economic and climate change. The US also gave $215 million in aid to the flood victims of Pakistan.

Elizabeth said that the largest buyer of Pakistani products was the United States, which was evident from the fact that last year there was a trade of $9 billion, while foreign direct investment by the United States was $250 million.

She said that America and Pakistan had common interests in many matters, vowing to provide all possible assistance to Pakistan to deal with the challenges.

Welcoming the announcement of elections by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the end of the government’s term, Elizabeth said that America was the biggest supporter of democracy in the world.

Elizabeth also expressed the hope that the elections in Pakistan would be free, fair and peaceful.