ISLAMABAD: US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker has said that Pakistan must protect itself from falling into any country’s debt trap. She stated that Pakistan is a sovereign nation that must guard its economic interests with firm and responsible decisions. She urged Pakistan to fully implement its privatisation programme and complete the IMF’s reform agenda to ensure long-term economic stability.
Diplomat Speaks After Ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr
Baker spoke informally to journalists at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Sunday. She had arrived to attend the ceremony where President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan award on Jordan’s King Abdullah II. She responded to several questions related to Pakistan’s foreign relations and economic direction during her brief interaction with the media.
Comments on Pakistan-China Partnership
When asked about Pakistan’s strong relations with China, Baker said Pakistan remained free to build ties with any state. She emphasised that Pakistan must carefully protect its economic sovereignty in all international engagements. She noted that projects leading countries into debt traps created concerns for the global community. She added that Washington understood the sensitive nature of Pakistan-China relations and respected Pakistan’s right to pursue partnerships.
IMF Agenda and Economic Support
Baker stated that only full compliance with IMF reforms would make Pakistan’s economic strategy effective. She said that the World Bank was also offering strong support to Pakistan during its economic stabilisation process. When asked if the IMF and World Bank were acting too strictly, she said the IMF wanted Pakistan to adopt reforms that would create a stable economy. She noted that the reforms aimed to ensure better outcomes for the country.
Washington’s Long-Term Engagement with Pakistan
Baker remarked that Pakistan’s economic relationship with the United States had always remained strong and continued to progress. She called Pakistan’s sovereignty extremely important for Washington. She added that the United States was assisting Pakistan with what she described as a big heart.
Possible Trump Visit Discussed
In response to a question about a potential visit by President Trump, Baker said he would visit Pakistan once he found time from his international commitments. She did not provide any timeline but noted that the intention for engagement existed.
