KARACHI: The top American diplomat in Pakistan said on Tuesday people mostly focused on bilateral challenges when discussing United States-Pakistan ties, obscuring the long and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.
Pakistan and the US cultivated strong defense ties during the Cold War days, yet their relationship was also tested by divergent priorities on various issues. The two countries particularly forged close ties when Pakistan aligned with the US during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
However, more recent times have seen tensions escalate, particularly after 9/11, when US officials criticized Pakistan for not sufficiently supporting the American military efforts against the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Additionally, the perception of US interference in Pakistani politics has been a contentious issue, highlighted by former prime minister Imran Khan’s allegations that Washington orchestrated his ouster in April 2022, a claim the US authorities have denied.
“It has become commonplace to observe that the United States and Pakistan have sometimes struggled to understand each other,” Ambassador Donald Blome said while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad organized to celebrate the US Independence Day. “But that observation can obscure the long history of partnership and cooperation between our two countries.”
He described the ties between the two states as a journey toward increased prosperity and security for both nations, adding that each step of the way was important.
“I want to stress the strength and durability of the US-Pakistan partnership and as we celebrate Independence Day, we also celebrate the steps we have taken together,” he added.
Ambassador Blome noted the US companies had played a major role in strengthening Pakistan’s economy, adding that his country was “proud to be Pakistan’s largest export market globally.”
He also said the US was helping Pakistan’s energy infrastructure project by upgrading Mangla and Tarbela with new GE turbines.
“The originals lasted for 50 years, and the new versions will last another 50 years – a 100 year investment in Pakistan funded directly, not through loans,” he said. “That’s what we mean by commitment.”
Ambassador Blome also highlighted his country’s support to cultural activities in Pakistan, adding its diplomatic mission also sends over 500 Pakistanis to US each year on educational and professional exchanges.
US envoy emphasizes ‘long history of partnership’ with Pakistan at Independence Day ceremony
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US envoy emphasizes ‘long history of partnership’ with Pakistan at Independence Day ceremony
- Ambassador Donald Blome describes ties between the two states as a journey to increased prosperity and security for both nations
- He highlights the role of American companies in strengthening local economy, says US is ‘proud to be Pakistan’s largest export market’
Pakistan military says 12 militants killed in counter-terror operations in southwest
- Pakistan military says “Indian-sponsored terrorists” were killed in southwestern Kalat district on Dec. 6
- Development takes place day after military said it gunned down five militants in Balochistan’s Dera Bugti area
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces killed 12 “Indian-sponsored terrorists” in the southwestern Balochistan province, the military’s media wing said on Sunday, vowing to purge “terrorism” from the country.
The security operation was carried out in Balochistan’s Kalat district on Dec. 6, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said in a statement. It said the militants belonged to Indian proxy “Fitna al Hindustan.”
The military uses this term to describe ethnic Baloch militant groups who demand independence from Pakistan. Islamabad accuses New Delhi of arming and funding these separatist groups, charges India has always denied.
“Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area,” the ISPR said.
The military said that it was carrying out sanitization operations in the area to eliminate other “terrorists,” vowing it will continue with its relentless counter-terror campaign to purge militancy.
The development took place a day after the Pakistan military said it had gunned down 14 militants in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by since yet its most backward by almost all social and economic indicators, has suffered from a bloody separatist insurgency for decades.
The most ethnic Baloch militant group that has mounted attacks against law enforcement and civilians in the area is the Balochistan Liberation Army.
These militant outfits accuse the military and federal government of denying the local Baloch population a share in the province’s mineral wealth, charges Islamabad denies.
