ISLAMABAD: A senior State Department official said on Tuesday the Washington administration had no preference regarding Pakistani political leaders in elections, in response to a question about the American envoy's recent engagements with various political figures in Pakistan.
Ambassador Donald Blome visited Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province, late last week, meeting key politicians in Multan and Lahore.
These interactions, including with former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Yousaf Raza Gilani, preceded Pakistan's general elections set for next February.
Local media also reported Blome's visit to a high-security prison in Rawalpindi to allegedly meet imprisoned ex-PM Imran Khan, charged with leaking state secrets.
However, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller sidestepped a query about this supposed meeting.
“I would – I would refer you to the embassy to – to comment on any meetings the ambassador has had,” he said while addressing a routine media briefing in Washington. “But as we have said a number of times, we do not take position – a position on candidates for political office in Pakistan or any other country.”
The US embassy in Pakistan confirmed the American ambassador’s engagements with “a broad range of Pakistani political actors” following the meetings.
“US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald A. Blome met in Multan with representatives of various political parties at a gathering hosted by former Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, and in Lahore with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) founder Jahangir Khan Tareen,” it said.
“They discussed the importance of free, fair elections and the right of the Pakistani people to choose their future leaders,” it added. “They also discussed the strengths of the US-Pakistan trade and investment relationship and the development of the US-Pakistan ‘Green Alliance’ framework.”
The statement did not mention any meeting with Khan who has accused the US of conspiring to topple his administration to punish him for pursuing an independent foreign policy.
US officials have repeatedly denied the claim.
State Department affirms US neutrality in Pakistani electoral politics following envoy’s engagements
https://arab.news/m8sjt
State Department affirms US neutrality in Pakistani electoral politics following envoy’s engagements
- Spokesperson Matthew Miller sidesteps query about Ambassador Blome’s rumored meeting with ex-PM Khan
- US embassy says the envoy discussed trade and investment with politicians within the ‘Green Alliance’ framework
Pakistan to discuss regional issues, economic ties at UAE summit this week
- Deputy PM Ishaq Dar to attend Sir Bani Yas Forum from Dec. 12-14, says Pakistan foreign office
- Senior statemen, policymakers expected to discuss security and economic cooperation at summit
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the Sir Bani Yas Forum in the UAE from Dec. 12-14 to discuss regional issues with world leaders and explore economic partnerships, the foreign ministry said on Friday.
The three-day summit features senior statesmen, policymakers and global experts from around the world with discussions likely to revolve around key regional and international issues such as peace, security and economic cooperation.
Dar, who is also Pakistan’s foreign minister, attended the 15th edition of the Bani Yas Forum last year. He is attending this year’s summit at the invitation of his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foreign office said.
“During the Forum, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will engage with international leaders and experts on matters related to regional stability, sustainable development, and the expansion of economic partnerships,” the statement said.
“He will also present Pakistan’s perspectives on promoting dialogue, addressing regional challenges, and fostering enhanced opportunities for economic cooperation.”
The Forum is expected to feature important discussions on Israel’s war in Gaza and the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East.
Pakistan has consistently criticized Israel for violating the ceasefire in Gaza and has called on the international community to intervene and ensure the fragile agreement does not collapse.
Islamabad has also been eyeing economic partnerships with regional allies, particularly Gulf countries, at such global summits in recent months.
It has entered into economic, defense, trade and investment agreements with traditional allies such as China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Central Asian states in recent months.
