The US has said it was encouraging forces working for a moderate Pakistan, besides helping the Islamic country check the violent extremists operating in its territory that were as much a threat to it as to its neighbours.
"Pakistan is undergoing a political transition. There are a number of positive developments, in terms of moderate forces within the Pakistani political system working together for a moderate Pakistan. That is something that we have encouraged," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters on Monday.
Reaffirming Washington's stand that it was neutral to the poll outcome, he said, "That said, we don't pick candidates or political parties. Ultimately, who leads Pakistan is going to be have to be a decision for the Pakistani people."
With the Pakistan forces currently battling Islamic militants in the north-east, McCormack said "it's well-known that Pakistan faces a threat from violent extremists operating on its own territory.
It's as much a threat to Pakistan as, to say, the United States or Pakistan's neighbours" he added.
The spokesman said the US was "working quite well with the Pakistani government on how to address those threats. Pakistan is taking the lead on those. But we're fully supportive of their efforts not only to move toward greater political and economic reform, but also to address the threat from violent extremism resident in Pakistan, directed against Pakistanis, as well as outward," McCormack said.
