WASHINGTON: United States says it will look for opportunities to work withthe new government. “As Pakistan’s election leaders form a new government,the United States will look for opportunities to work with them to advanceour goals of security, stability and prosperity in South Asia,” a StateDepartment spokesperson said.

Responding to a question, the department said it awaits official resultsfrom the Election Commission of Pakistan and the election observer missionsto release their preliminary findings.

Hours before the polls took place, the Trump administration officials hadhighlighted that they support “free, fair, transparent and accountableelections in Pakistan” while encouraging voters to peacefully exercisetheir democratic right.

Earlier, the State Department had also publicly announced that it wasmonitoring developments closely. It appreciated and supported Pakistan’simplementation of its historic 2017 electoral reforms law. “This is thefirst time that law will actually be put into effect for these elections.We hope that the new comprehensive and transparent legal frameworkfacilitates the peaceful transfer of civilian power to a democraticallyelected government,” the department spokesperson had said.

China and Saudi Arabia expressed willingness to work with new governmentof Pakistan. China expressed pleasure over the successful general electionin Pakistan and reiterated its readiness to work with the new government topromote greater development of the all-weather strategic partnershipbetween the two countries.

“We are pleased to see Pakistan’s successful general election,” Chineseforeign ministry’s spokesperson said during his regular briefing held here.He said the Chinese side was willing to work with the new Pakistanigovernment to promote greater development of the all-weather strategicpartnership between the two countries.

“We sincerely hope that Pakistan will maintain political and socialstability and concentrate on nation-building,” he added.

The spokesperson said, the friendship between China and Pakistan had wonthe support of the two peoples, adding, no matter the outcome of theelection, it will not affect the development of China-Pakistan relations.

Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan KhanHasham Bin Saddique congratulated the people of Pakistan for smoothcompletion of July 25 election process.

According to a press release received here from Jeddah, the Ambassador alsoshared the expectations of Pakistani expatriate community regardingprogress and development under the upcoming government. The Ambassadorlauded the courage and democratic spirit of voters for turning out onpolling day in large numbers.