ISLAMABAD: United Stated vice president Mike Pence on Thursday telephoned caretaker Prime Minister Justice (Retd) Nasirul Mulk and congratulated him on assuming the PM’s office. During the telephonic conversation, the US vice president appreciated PM Mulk’s illustrious career as a jurist and wished him well for the effective implementation of the specific mandate of the caretaker government to hold elections in Pakistan. According to the PM Media Office’s press release, Mike Pence also conveyed the good wishes of US President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Mulk and Vice President Pence agreed upon the importance of strengthening bilateral relations as well as pursuing the common objective of achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan. The Prime Minister thanked the vice president for his congratulatory call and added that the caretaker government was committed to assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in holding free and fair elections and the smooth transition of power to the elected government, in accordance with the constitution. Published in Daily Times, June 8th 2018.