US views 'prosperous' and 'democratic' Pakistan as critical to its interests: White House after leadership changes in Pak Army
The Hindu
Pakistan Army General Sahir Shamshad Mirza on Sunday took charge as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee after his predecessor, Gen (retd) Nadeem Raza, hung up his boots a day earlier.
With the Pakistan Army undergoing a major leadership change, the U.S. has said that it views a "prosperous" and "democratic" Pakistan as critical to its interests, and it wants to continue working with Islamabad to promote stability in the region.
Former ISI chief General Asim Munir has replaced General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who retired on November 29 after serving two consecutive three-year terms as Pakistan's Army chief in the coup-prone country, where the military wields considerable power in matters of security and foreign policy.
Pakistan Army General Sahir Shamshad Mirza on Sunday took charge as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) after his predecessor, Gen (retd) Nadeem Raza, hung up his boots a day earlier.
"The United States values our longstanding cooperation with Pakistan and has always viewed a prosperous and democratic Pakistan as critical to U.S. interests," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at a news conference here on Wednesday when asked about Gen. Munir's appointment as the Chief of Staff of Pakistan Army.
"We look forward to continuing to work with Pakistan to promote stability, prosperity for the people of Pakistan and the region," she said.
Relations between the U.S. and Pakistan have nosedived in recent times after former prime minister Imran Khan blamed Washington for orchestrating the Opposition’s no-confidence motion against him in April this year.
The U.S. has denied these allegations.