ISLAMABAD:The US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome has emphasized the enduring partnership between Washington and Islamabad, highlighting the mutual desire for both countries to thrive.
The envoy was addressing a seminar organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with Beaconhouse National University (BNU) Lahore, titled “Strengthening Pakistan-U.S. Relations” on Wednesday.
He addressed various aspects of the bilateral ties including economic cooperation, security, and investment opportunities.
Bloom identified Pakistan as a significant investment opportunity, noting that the nation’s exports to the US are higher than to any other country. The Ambassador said that in 2023, bilateral trade exceeded $9 billion, with Pakistan exporting over $6 billion worth of goods to the United States. He lauded Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism, terming them as commendable.
The Ambassador assured that there are no major security concerns in the South Asian country at the moment, highlighting Pakistan’s achievements in maintaining stability.
Bloom also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to helping Pakistan at every level, acknowledging the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the war against terrorism. The envoy emphasized the significance of upholding basic human rights as enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution. The Ambassador advocated for respect for freedom of expression, considering it important for Pakistan’s development and democratic progress.
Reflecting on the long history of the relationship between Islamabad and Washington, he reiterated the significance of these ties and highlighted the importance of continuous cooperation and support, stating that the US’s ties with Pakistan remain a priority.
He said that Washington is helping in several development projects in Pakistan and they are trying to develop various sectors in the South Asian country. He added that the US is also helping around 34 universities in Pakistan as U.S. investment in Pakistan is a reflection of historical relations.
The Ambassador said that Washington values historical ties with Islamabad and stands firmly with Pakistan. He further said that Pakistan is facing various challenges including terrorism, adding both countries wanted to end terrorism. The Ambassador concluded, “I would try to keep both nations on the same page at all times,”.
Mariam Madiha Aftab, Additional Secretary (Americas), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in her views, stated that the U.S.-Pakistan relationship is multifaceted and dynamic, covering areas such as health, defence, trade, and energy security. She stressed the significance of economic collaboration, educational exchanges, security cooperation and climate change initiatives.
She also addressed regional dynamics, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to play a crucial role in fostering peace and stability, and called for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people.
Ambassador Mansoor Khan, Director of the Beaconhouse Center for Policy Research (BCPR), stressed the multifaceted nature of Pakistan-U.S. relations, highlighting political, security, defence cooperation, and economic ties. He announced the launch of a new undergraduate course on Pakistan-U.S. relations at BNU.
Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of the Centre for Strategic Perspectives at ISSI, added the significant contributions of the U.S. to Pakistan’s development in sectors like education, healthcare, and climate change. She stressed the need for cooperation and mutual respect to address contemporary challenges and opportunities.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, provided an extensive overview of the historical and current dynamics of Pakistan-U.S. ties. He acknowledged the evolving nature of the partnership, with a shift in focus from security to areas like energy, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. He noted the cyclical pattern of bilateral ties shaped by external factors, regional developments, and a narrower security-centric focus over the past many decades.
Stressing the significance of realistic expectations, he called for greater attention to Pakistan’s historical role in the emerging global order and the need for the U.S. to focus on Pakistan’s interests and preoccupations.
He also emphasized that Pakistan wished to nimbly navigate the complex dynamics of U.S.-China competition, and wished that cooperation rather than confrontation would be the key driver of their relationship.
