Plans to rule: Nawaz pushes US towards trade

Says Pakistan’s contributions to promoting peace should be recognised.

LAHORE:

Nawaz Sharif has urged the Obama administration to shift the focus of its relationship with Pakistan away from aid to one based on trade, investment and people-to-people contact.

The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) president expressed these views during a meeting with leaders from the United States at his residence in Raiwind on Friday, according to a party handout.

Senator Robert Menendez, the newly elected chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, was accompanied by US Ambassador Richard Olson when he called on Nawaz. PML-N’s Leader of Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and the party’s foreign affairs adviser Tariq Fatemi were also present.

The Express Tribune has learnt that the future of both countries was discussed, particularly policies in the region. During the course of the generally warm and friendly meeting, the two sides had a comprehensive exchange on serious issues, as well. Nawaz congratulated Menendez on his election to office and praised his predecessor, Senator John Kerry, the new secretary of state, for his role in promoting US-Pakistan relations.



He affirmed his confidence that, under Menendez’s guidance, US policy towards Pakistan would be based on mutual trust and interest.

He emphasised Pakistan’s importance in promoting peace and security in South Asia and said the country’s efforts should be recognised. Given the complexity of the situation, the cooperation of both countries is crucial, now more than ever, he said.

Senator Menendez, in turn, thanked the former premier for the meeting and praised his contribution to strengthening democracy in Pakistan.  He added that the US was closely following developments in Pakistan that lead up to the elections. These polls would be important as they would mark the first peaceful transition from one elected government to another elected one, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, said the senator.

Menendez expressed his admiration for the recently introduced mass transit system in Lahore.

Official talk

According to senior PML-N officials, the discussion also focused on the party’s intended policies at the time of the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

A stable Afghanistan is good for a stable Pakistan, which is good for the US, said a party official, citing PML-N’s take. Additionally, the PML-N would encourage the Obama administration to compensate Pakistan through trade and improved business relations.

Furthermore, according to the officials, the PML-N is in talks with the Pakistan Army, senior leadership of the Inter-Services Intelligence and senior US officials to illustrate its stance on crucial issues, as it expects to form the government after the next elections.

Bugti’s visit

Later in the day, Nawaz met Jamhoori Watan Party head Talal Bugti, who visited his residence to offer condolences on the death of his brother Mian Abbas Sharif.

Afterwards, while talking to the media, Bugti expressed displeasure over Pakistan’s new step of handing over Gwadar port to China. He said China has ruined every project it has taken up in the past, and most people have a flawed perception about its performance in the development sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2013.