The United States has said it will not let lies, propaganda, and disinformation get in the way of its bilateral ties with Pakistan, as former prime minister Imran Khan continues his anti-American rhetoric in rallies around the country. Khan has continued to accuse the United States of a "regime change conspiracy". 

Responding to a question about the possibility of Khan’s anti-American impacting bilateral ties, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said, “We are not going to let propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation — lies — get in the way of any bilateral relationship we have, including with the bilateral relationship we have with Pakistan, one we value."

The remark, which came after last week’s call between Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto, indicated willingness from both countries to continue cooperation in the areas of mutual interests.

Speaking on the call between them, Price said, “It is a broad-based bilateral relationship. The Secretary underscored the resolute US-Pakistan commitment to Afghan stability and to combating terrorism as well.” 

In the call, Blinken had invited Bhutto to New York for the upcoming UN conference on food security. Price, however, on Tuesday, didn’t confirm if there were any bilateral meetings scheduled between the two.

Ties between the two countries also gain significance amid instability in the region, with growing attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan, especially after the return of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan last year.

Last week, Price said that the US valued its bilateral relationship with Islamabad. “We want to continue to work together in areas where we do have mutual interests with our Pakistani partners. That includes counterterrorism; That includes border security as well,” he said at a press conference.

Pakistan’s new government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appeared more willing to have good ties with the United States, an important strategic ally of the country. The country’s National Security Council under him has also rejected the allegations of any external conspiracy related to the change of government in Pakistan.

(SAM)