US to evaluate Pakistan's bailout request on merit.

Washington -- The United States will evaluate on merit a bailout package sought by Pakistan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the State Department said Thursday.

'We understand that Pakistan has formally requested assistance from the IMF. As we do in all cases, we will examine closely all aspects, including Pakistan' s debt position, in evaluating any loan program,' a State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said during briefing.

'This is something that we've been tracking fairly closely. The Secretary had spoken about this a few months back, I know, in some interviews not that long ago. I think part of the reason that Pakistan found itself in this situation is Chinese debt and the fact that there is debt that governments have incurred that they maybe thought wouldn't be so tough to bail themselves out of, but has become increasingly tough. So - last question and then I've got to go,' she said.

The spokesperson was responding to a question on the request made by Pakistan for a USD 8 bailout package. The spokespersons comments came on a day when...