Nawaz Sharif: Pakistan Will Help NATO Withdraw From Afghanistan

Sharif likely to become prime minister after his party won this weekend's elections

Nawaz Sharif has said that as Pakistan's prime minister he will help Nato withdraw from Afghanistan next year, ensuring that American troops are able to safely use Pakistan's roads to extract troops and equipment. 

In a briefing delivered at his opulent villa outside Lahore, he declared himself a friend to the US but that Washington must understand Pakistan's concerns about drone strikes.

Western capitals have been waiting to hear Mr Sharif discuss his stance on the war on terror after a campaign featuring anti-American rhetoric.