WASHINGTON, Aug 23: The United States said on Thursday that it wants to see a strengthened democracy in Pakistan and would work with anyone elected by the people of that country.

“It is an issue for the Pakistani legal system,” said Gonzalo R. Gallegos, director, Office of Press Relations at the US State Department, when asked to comment on the Supreme Court’s decision to allow former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to return home.

“We wish to see a strengthening of Pakistan’s democratic traditions, serving the people’s desire for opportunities and for stable, participatory rule.”

Mr Gallegos said the United States has made it clear that it wants Pakistan to succeed as a moderate and modern democratic country, “led by the choice of the Pakistani people.”

The United States, he said, also wants to see free, fair and transparent elections that give Pakistani citizens choices, and respect their decisions.”

Asked if the US will work with anyone elected in a free and fair election in Pakistan, Mr Gallegos said “that has been and will continue to be the US policy.”

Opinion

Respite needed

Respite needed

All one can fear is a familiar accounting exercise that aims to extract a few more rupees from a narrow, weary economic base.

Editorial

Soft on traders
08 Jun, 2026

Soft on traders

THE Fixed Tax Asaan Scheme for traders with an annual turnover of up to Rs200m has been designed as a ‘pragmatic...
Ceasefire in name
Updated 08 Jun, 2026

Ceasefire in name

Both sides accuse the other of violating the truce that was supposed to halt the conflict in April, yet neither appears willing to abandon negotiations altogether.
Damaged childhoods
08 Jun, 2026

Damaged childhoods

CHILD abuse is so prevalent that the UN ranked Pakistan as the least safe country for children. Even so, more than...
JAAC ban
Updated 07 Jun, 2026

JAAC ban

Though the JAAC’s demands are open to scrutiny, banning any political organisation — as long as it remains committed to peaceful activism — is undemocratic.
GB election
Updated 07 Jun, 2026

GB election

It is important that whichever party ultimately forms the government puts the needs of the people of GB above everything else.
ODI win
07 Jun, 2026

ODI win

AT last, the Pakistan cricket team had something to celebrate: a One-day International series victory against...