ISLAMABAD, Sept 12: The United States said on Wednesday that Pakistan needed a ‘democratic political transition’.

“We look forward to democratic elections being held in Pakistan here quite shortly,” US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said at a joint news conference with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan hours after arriving in Islamabad.

The deputy secretary, who held the second round of Pakistan-US strategic dialogue at the Foreign Office with the Pakistani foreign secretary, said the United States would continue to stand in partnership with Pakistanis as they build on their nation’s many strengths.

“Our relationship with the Pakistani people goes far beyond security and counter-terrorism,” he added.

The talks focussed on the United States developing a long-term relationship with Islamabad in the areas of economy, energy, security, technology and education.

When asked about former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s deportation, Mr Negroponte offered no criticism. He said it was “an internal Pakistani political and legal matter and it’s for the government and people of Pakistan to decide”.

He said the deportation issue was not discussed in the meeting.

“We look forward to democratic elections being held in Pakistan quite shortly. We think it’s important there be a smooth and democratic political transition.”

But, he said, Pakistan was at a critical juncture and the United States expected change in the country.

He offered broad support for President Musharraf. “We welcome Pakistan’s leadership as a voice of moderation and reason in the Islamic world. Your nation remains a valuable ally in the war on terror,” he said.

Mr Negroponte sought to allay Pakistani misgivings over a law making future US aid dependent on certification of progress in fighting the militants.

“I don’t think there’s going to be any difficulty in making that kind of certification.”

He said they had discussed comments by US officials that did not rule out unilateral strikes on Pakistan — words branded ‘irresponsible and dangerous’ by Pakistan — but said that Islamabad would be consulted.

“If we intend to carry out whatever activities we do in the tribal areas there will be complete respect for the sovereignty of Pakistan.”

He praised Pakistan’s efforts in combating militancy in its tribal areas, where he said more than 1,000 Pakistani soldiers had died since Sept 11, 2001 and more troops had been deployed over the past year.

“There is no doubt whatsoever of Pakistan’s commitment to restoring and establishing security in that part of the country and more than doing its share in the war against terror,” he added.

“We stand with all of those Pakistanis who have been wounded or who have lost loved ones, and we hold a special place of honour for those who sacrificed their lives in protecting not only Pakistanis but also the entire world from acts of terrorism,” he said.

Mr Negroponte said the United States appreciated and fully understood Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Riaz Mohammad Khan said that in the second round of talks, issues relating to bilateral relationship were discussed.

The first round of talks was held earlier this year in Washington.

He said the talks would be helpful in promoting peace, stability and security in the region.

The foreign secretary said that Pakistan had assured the US that no one would be allowed to use its soil for extremist and terrorist activities against any country.

He said the US deputy secretary was also informed about the progress so far made in the composite dialogue process with India and appreciated the US support for the process.--Agencies