Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded warmly to President Joe Biden letter, emphasizing Pakistan’s high regard for its relationship with the United States. He highlighted ongoing collaborations between the two nations in crucial areas such as energy, climate change, agriculture, health, and education. Particularly, he appreciated the cooperative efforts in the energy sector and the Green Alliance framework.
Expressing Pakistan’s commitment to working alongside the US to achieve common objectives of global peace, regional progress, and prosperity, the Prime Minister reiterated the nation’s eagerness for continued collaboration. President Biden’s assurance of support in various domains, including health, economic growth, energy, and education, was well-received.
However, recent concerns surfaced in the United States regarding the legitimacy of Pakistan’s recent elections. A group of 31 US Congress members urged the Biden administration to withhold recognition of Pakistan’s new government until investigations into alleged election interference were conducted. These concerns were echoed in a Congressional hearing on March 20, where US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu acknowledged apparent irregularities in the election results compilation process. While he noted that the general elections seemed lawful, he emphasized the importance of a thorough and transparent investigation by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
In response to queries about the incumbent government’s legitimacy amidst rigging allegations, Lu stressed the Biden administration’s stance of closely monitoring the investigations conducted by the Election Commission of Pakistan. He called upon the Commission to fulfill its constitutional duty impartially and transparently.
Overall, while both leaders emphasized the significance of the US-Pakistan partnership and President Biden’s commitment to supporting Pakistan on various fronts, concerns about the recent elections’ legitimacy highlight ongoing challenges in the bilateral relationship that require careful consideration and resolution.
