US congratulates Shahbaz Sharif on election as PM of Pakistan

The United States on Wednesday congratulated Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, newly elected following the weekend ouster of Imran Khan, who accused Washington of involvement in a conspiracy to force him from power.

Imran was dismissed on Sunday after losing a no-confidence vote, and Shahbaz elected by Pakistan lawmakers the following day.

"The United States congratulates newly elected Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and we look forward to continuing our long-standing cooperation with Pakistan's government," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

"The United States views a strong, prosperous, and democratic Pakistan as essential for the interests of both of our countries."

In a statement issued last on Tuesday night, Blinken expressed that Pakistan had been an important partner on wide-ranging mutual interests for nearly 75 years and US valued their relationship.

"The United States views a strong, prosperous and democratic Pakistan as essential for the interests of both countries," he added.

Responding to the statement, the Prime Minister's Office reaffirmed the need for cooperation with United States. "The new government wishes to constructively and positively engage with the US to promote shared goals of peace, security and development in the region," it tweeted.