—– Premier underscores paramount importance of fostering strong and enduring ties between Pakistan and the US
—– PM, US envoy discuss elections, repatriation of illegal foreigners
ISLAMABAD: United States Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome called on Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar in Islamabad on Thursday.
During their discussions, Prime Minister Kakar shed light on the pivotal measures that the federal government was implementing, with a particular focus on critical areas such as economic stability, the repatriation of illegal foreigners, and the ongoing electoral process.
The talks also delved into regional developments, with a specific emphasis on the situation in Gaza.The prime minister underscored the paramount importance of fostering strong and enduring ties between Pakistan and the United States.
In June, the US Ambassador Donald Blome called for further strengthening the robust bilateral relations between Washington and Islamabad through the US-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework.
During his visit to Karachi between June 22 and 24, the US ambassador emphasised the need for stronger ties between his country and Pakistan.
The envoy engaged with government officials, the American Business Council, Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations, and Pakistan Naval Academy during his visit.
“I am honoured and grateful for the opportunity to live and serve in this remarkable country,” Ambassador Blome said at the reception.
“Americans and Pakistanis have so much in common and have many shared achievements to be proud of. Together, we can advance a more stable, green, and prosperous future for both our nations,” he added.
Earlier, United States Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome conveyed on Friday Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar that the US wanted free and fair elections in Pakistan, amid speculations that the elections might get delayed and political parties may not get a level-playing field.
During the meeting, the US ambassador also said that the US wanted Pakistan to ensure protection of religious minorities in the wake of Jaranwala incident, in which hundreds of Muslim men vandalised dozens of Christian homes and torched churches in a Christian neighbourhood on the pretext of blasphemy.
The US envoy also encouraged the interim premier Kakar to continue partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on economic recovery – a statement suggesting that Pakistan should steadfast to abiding the IMF programme conditions.
Ambassador Blome called on the caretaker premier at PM House in Islamabad just a day after the US envoy met the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and reaffirmed US’ support for free and fair elections in Pakistan. –Agencies
