WASHINGTON, Nov 22: Congratulating Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on his election as prime minister, the United States said on Friday that the full restoration of democracy in Pakistan was central to its role in the fight against terrorism.

“We congratulate the new prime minister. We look forward to working with his government once it is formed,” a State Department official told Dawn.

He said that Pakistan’s political leaders have a responsibility to their people to ensure a smooth transition to democracy. “Their efforts will have our support,” he added.

“A full restoration of democratic civilian rule in Pakistan is central to its ability to fulfil its role (in the fight against terrorism),” the official said.