Key western envoys launch political blitz

US, UK top diplomats meet country’s heavyweights

ISLAMABAD:

As the country readies for the crucial ballots next year, envoys representing key Western nations on Saturday sat down with linchpins of Pakistani politics -- mainly from the PML-N and the PPP -- chiefly to discuss the upcoming general elections and economic affairs.

US Ambassador Donald Blome held a series of meetings with political figures, notably meeting with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, PPP’s Yusuf Raza Gilani, and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) chief Jahangir Tareen.

Moreover, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott also visited Nawaz in Lahore. While specifics about the meeting were not disclosed, it was evident that the duo engaged in discussions concerning the upcoming elections.

The rendezvous with Nawaz came as the former prime minister is busy taking strides towards the office he lost in 2017, making a string of public appearances following his return to the country from self-imposed exile.

According to a statement issued by PML-N, the meeting with the US envoy primarily revolved around Pakistan's vital relations with the United States, underscoring the significance of bilateral ties amid other pertinent matters discussed.

The statement noted that Nawaz shared his views on the political and economic situation in Pakistan, with a specific focus on his party’s readiness for the upcoming elections. In his discussion with the US envoy, the former premier conveyed to him that “the people of Pakistan would once again place their trust in the PML-N to navigate the country through the numerous challenges it currently faces”.

Read Nawaz Sharif takes front seat again

The leaders thoroughly explored the bilateral connections and the potential for collaboration on shared multilateral issues affecting both Pakistan and the United States. The statement highlighted that both leaders “acknowledged the significance of a steadfast and robust partnership between the two countries.”

They emphasised the importance of exploring opportunities to enhance cooperation and building upon the successful outcomes that underpin the strong bilateral relationship between the US and Pakistan.
The discussion also encompassed various domains, including trade, economy, climate change, security, and regional stability.

Nawaz also raised the issue of the “plight of innocent Palestinians who are being mercilessly killed by the indiscriminate Israeli bombardment and imposition of siege around Gaza”.

 

The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Amb. Donald Blome called on Quaid, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) Muhammad Nawaz Sharif earlier today.
The Quaid PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif emphasized the significance of Pakistan’s relations with the United States. He particularly… pic.twitter.com/5CwkGBu5i1

— PMLN (@pmln_org) November 18, 2023

He called for an immediate end to hostilities and urgent provision of humanitarian and medical assistance to war-hit people.PML-N rectifies Nawaz-Blome statement However, after its initial statement raised eyebrows, the PML-N swiftly re-issued its statement on the meeting with amendments.

In the first statement's second paragraph, the PML-N stated that the two leaders discussed the political and economic situation of Pakistan, especially the preparations for the general elections. It stated that they expressed confidence that the people of Pakistan would once again give PML-N a leadership role to overcome the innumerable problems and crises.

Read further US envoy calls on Gilani, Tareen after Nawaz meeting

However, the subsequent version of the statement altered the narrative, attributing only a segment of the discussions to Nawaz Sharif. According to the revised statement, both leaders engaged in conversations regarding Pakistan's political and economic scenario, alongside preparations for the upcoming general elections.

Notably, the amended statement specifically credited only Nawaz with expressing confidence in the Pakistani people, foreseeing a renewed mandate for the PML-N to lead the charge in tackling the myriad problems and crises gripping the nation.

British envoy calls on ZardariSimilarly, former president and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari met the British high commissioner and deputy high commissioner in Karachi and exchanged views on important matters including boosting bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Saturday.

The former president sent his felicitations to King Charles III on his birthday and also expressed good wishes for David Cameron who has been appointed as UK Foreign Minister.

During the meeting, Zardari demanded Britain play a conciliatory role in ending the Israeli aggression in Gaza, while the former president and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott also discussed the promotion of bilateral relations.

 

Readout of U.S. Ambassador Blome’s Meeting with Political Actors in Multan and Lahore pic.twitter.com/71RyskSjaJ

— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) November 18, 2023

 

 

Meeting with ‘political actors’The statement from the US embassy detailed the discussions held with "political actors" in both Multan and Lahore. “In the course of his engagements with a broad range of Pakistani political actors, 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,” the statement read.

“They discussed the importance of free, fair elections and the right of the Pakistani people to choose their future leaders. 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 said.‘Interference with internal affairs’Meanwhile, PTI also issued a statement on the PML-N's initial statement and declared the US ambassador's meeting with "a convicted criminal" an interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan.

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The party termed it a serious interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan and alleged that the meeting was part of a broader conspiracy to undermine the elected and legitimate democratic government of ex-prime minister Imran Khan.

The PTI spokesperson said the contents of the declaration indicate a continuation of a conspiracy aimed at dismantling ex-Premier Imran Khan’s government. The party alleged that the meeting with Nawaz Sharif, who has been convicted by the court, exposes a sinister plot against the nation.

The spokesperson alleged that the Nawaz family, with a background of non-democratic regimes, consistently favoured personal gains over the greater interests of Pakistan. They purportedly indulged in dubious transactions both within the country and on an international scale. The statement accused him of jeopardising the constitution, democracy, and the nation's interests throughout his prime ministerial tenures.