WASHINGTON (Daily Point) — The United States State Department has reaffirmed its stance that it does not play a role in selecting political leaders in Pakistan, as reported by private TV channel on Tuesday.
During a press briefing on Monday, Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized, “The United States does not play any role in choosing the leaders of Pakistan.” Responding to a question about the American government’s position on supporting leaders with a history of corruption and criminal activities globally, Miller clarified that the US exclusively engages with the leadership elected by the Pakistani people.
“We will continue to engage with the government of Pakistan on all these issues,” he asserted.
The statement from the State Department coincides with the official visit of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to the US. General Munir, who assumed office in November last year, is scheduled to meet with senior military and government officials during his visit.
This development follows the two-day stay of US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West in Pakistan, adding to the diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
The US has consistently reiterated its commitment to non-interference in Pakistan’s internal political affairs and maintains a neutral stance towards political parties in the country. In September, Miller clarified that the US neither takes a position on the outcomes of general elections in Pakistan nor supports any specific political party.
Addressing concerns about the deteriorating relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Miller stated, “The US supports a diplomatic resolution to all of the various issues between the two countries.” He acknowledged ongoing diplomatic efforts and expressed the commitment to continuing engagement.
Moreover, the spokesperson highlighted US actions against corruption, noting that former members of the Afghan parliament and their immediate family members have been designated as generally ineligible to enter the United States due to their involvement in significant corruption. The US Treasury Department has also designated these individuals under the Magnitsky sanctions program for their extensive role in trans-national corruption. Additionally, a network of 44 companies connected to the banned former Afghan parliamentarians has been designated by the Treasury for their role in these activities.
