"First of all, the February 18 elections in Pakistan were a victory for democracy and for all those who wanted to see democracy be able to expand and develop in Pakistan, and I think that's clear to everyone," State Department's Deputy spokesman Tom Casey said on Friday.

The other questions, he said, "relate to how Pakistanis, how their democratically elected leaders, intend to organise their government, develop their policies and manage their own internal political process. And that really is something that is theirs to decide."

"The United States did not, before the election or during the election process, nor are we now, going to try and take sides in that or interfere in those internal discussions," Casey said.

What is going on in Pakistan right now is very important, he said. "This is a real development in Pakistan's return to what we hope ultimately will be full democracy there. And it's a very important moment for Pakistan's political leadership. And they've got to make these choices for themselves.”