'US looks forward to working with Pakistan’s new civilian government'

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: As Imran Khan took oath as Pakistan’s 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan, the US State Department released a message welcoming the new civilian government in Pakistan.

“We recognize and welcome the newly elected Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on taking the oath of office. For over 70 years, the relationship between the United States and Pakistan has been a vital one,” State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in the statement.

Nauert added that the United States looks forward to working with Pakistan’s new civilian government to promote peace and prosperity in Pakistan and the region.

We recognize & welcome the newly elected #Pakistan Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI on taking the oath of office. The U.S. looks forward to working with Pakistan’s new civilian government to promote peace and prosperity in Pakistan and the region. https://t.co/47Azuabtqu

— Heather Nauert (@statedeptspox) August 18, 2018

Earlier in the day, Imran Khan took oath as country’s 2nd prime minister in a simple ceremony at the President House.

For the cricket legend-turned-politician, his party’s first place in a national election and becoming country’s prime minister, is the culmination of a battle that started more than two decades ago.

For years, he was dismissed as a political dilettante who could not convert his personal popularity into significant seats in parliament for the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).

But July 25 elections dramatically changed that, putting the former sports star on the brink of power. The PTI party won the most seats in July’s elections – setting up Mr Khan to become PM with the help of small parties, more than two decades after he first entered politics.