BY Muhammad Luqman
In a latest development to improve the ties between Islamabad and Washington, US Vice President Mike Pence called Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk on Thursday to congratulate him on assuming the office.
According to Prime Minister’s Office, Pence wished the premier well for the effective implementation of the specific mandate of the caretaker government to hold elections in Pakistan on July 25 next.
“Mr. Pence also conveyed good wishes of US President Donald J. Trump”, according to PMO spokesman.
The US Vice President also appreciated Prime Minister’s ‘illustrious career as a jurist.
US leader and the Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk agreed upon the importance of strengthening of bilateral relations as well as pursuing common objective of achieving peace and stability in war-torn Afghanistan, the spokesman added.
Prime Minister Mulk said that the cartaker government was committed to assist the election commission of Pakistan in holding free and fair elections and the smooth transition of power to the elected government.
Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, according to US State Office spokesperson Heather Nauert.
Both the leaders stressed need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan, and the importance of targeting the militant and terrorist groups in the region.
It is being considered as a big development in the recent phase of the two countries’ relations as this is the first time, since travel restrictions were imposed, that a high-level engagement has taken place.
