PPP, PML-N bigwigs meet US, UK envoys

Bilawal meets with US ambassador in Islamabad, Nawaz British high commissioner in Lahore

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE:

In significant encounters ahead of the general elections, the heavyweights from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) —Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Nawaz Sharif— met with US and British envoys on Monday.

According to a statement, United States Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome called on Bilawal at Zardari House in Islamabad. Both of them discussed ways to promote bilateral relations between the two countries.

They also discussed promoting trade relations between Pakistan and the United States.

According to a statement issued by Acting US Mission spokesperson Thomas Montgomery, “US Ambassador Donald Blome met with PPP Chairman Bilawal to discuss current political issues, including the importance of free, fair, and inclusive elections.

“They also discussed the strength of the US-Pakistan trade and investment relationship and the development of the US-Pakistan ‘Green Alliance’ framework.”

Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif met with British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott in Lahore and discussed matters of mutual interests, according to a statement issued by the PML-N media cell.

Former prime minister and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif as well as Senior Vice President and Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz Sharif were also present on the occasion.

Nawaz highlighted the robust relationship between Pakistan and Britain, stating that both countries benefit from strong bilateral relations.

He particularly emphasised the role of the Pakistani diaspora in the UK in strengthening the friendship between the two nations.

"The flourishing of relations in various fields such as trade, investment, and other sectors is imperative for the progress of Pakistan and Britain," Nawaz said.

The British high commissioner informed Nawaz about her meetings with various political parties in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

She highlighted the importance of the upcoming elections scheduled for Feb 8, stating that they held significance for the future of Pakistan.

Marriott extended her congratulations to the PML-N supreme leader on various legal victories, acknowledging his resilience in the face of challenges.