Pakistan on Thursday said it was looking forward to working with the new US administration, as US Secretary of Defence-designate termed Islamabad an "essential partner" for the Afghan endgame.

"If you look at the full statement of Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, he appreciated Pakistan’s role in the Afghan peace process," said Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri at his weekly briefing.

He clearly stated that if confirmed, he would encourage a regional approach having support from neighbouring countries like Pakistan, the spokesperson pointed out.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2280860/pakistan-banks-on-shared-interests-in-us-ties