LONDON:
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif termed his official visit to the United States an overall success, saying that he talked about and spelled out Pakistan’s stance on all issues.
Talking to reporters in London after concluding his four-day visit, he said, “In the meeting with the US president and at all relevant forums, I have discussed all matters of Pakistan’s national concerns, including drone attacks that are against our sovereignty.”
To a question about Dr Aafia Siddiqui and Dr Shakil Afridi, the premier said the United States did raise its concerns, as did Pakistan. “They discussed Dr Shakil, we did Dr Aafia. Now we will review the situation after we reach Pakistan.”
The need of the hour is that Pakistan and the United States understand each other’s concerns and then address them accordingly, he said in a conciliatory tone. “I think now we have started this process of dialogue, and you must have heard what President Obama
said. I think his views were quite positive.”
On Kashmir, the prime minister resolved that the US should play a role. Although India does not want any US role on the matter, Pakistan does, he said. “If bilateral negotiations do not succeed, then there is no harm in a third party helping in the resolution of an issue.”
Prime Minister Nawaz said that he met very important people in the US administration who showed keen interest in the issues of energy, economy and education. “This shows that they are deeply interested in Pakistan’s progress.”
Regarding his discussions on Pakistan’s energy needs, he said potential American investors were invited to the country. Nawaz Sharif said his government has started several projects to overcome the energy crisis in the country, and said the government will ensure transparency at all levels.
Earlier, in the joint statement issued on Wednesday, both leaders welcomed the resumption of the US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue and reaffirmed its importance as the suitable framework for guiding the bilateral relationship.
They also discussed the forthcoming Ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue, which US Secretary of State John Kerry would be hosting in Washington by March 2014.
In the statement, both the leaders emphasised the need to maintain and enhance the GLOCs’ relevant infrastructure and Prime Minister Nawaz welcomed the recently signed agreement between Pakistan’s National Highway Authority and USAID to rehabilitate 247 kilometers of the Kalat-Chaman Road, which will help pave the way for regional trade by linking Kandahar to Quetta and to Karachi.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 25th, 2013.
COMMENTS (9)
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@US CENTCOM: Going by the humiliating experiences which the Pak PM had to face in US, he would be well advised in future to visit US CENTCOM inorder to get a proper hearing of his country's grievances which will at least be followed with issuance of a well worded statement by your office.
We repeat what Prime Minister Nawaz Shariff said in this above article: “The need of the hour is that Pakistan and the United States understand each other’s concerns and then address them accordingly.” The U.S. and Pakistan are two independent partner nations that are working together to stabilize the region. It is simply imperative for us to be on the same page in regards to our shared objectives. Meetings like these allow us to address our shared concerns and build on our improving relationship. We’ve come too far and made too many sacrifices to let any differences prevent us from moving forward. We’ve always emphasized Pakistan’s importance in the region, and greatly appreciate all of its sacrifices in the region. We certainly hope to remain in along lasting healthy working relationship that will help us achieve our shared goals in the region.
Ali Khan DET, United States Central Command
It was a success - you got $1.6 Billion and some positive press - both desperately needed.
As the saying goes " don't ever trust anything from the government unless it is officially denied". By this token this is not a big success as being touted.
YES MASTER - As per your directives we have already appointed Mr. GHULAM SARWAR (British Parlimentarian / Citizen) Governor of Punjab - PUNJAB IS YOUR COLONY NOW Anything Else SIR ?
I saw the success clips on media where Mr. PM holding a check-list in his shaking hands, trembling feet and reddish face, sitting with the Obama. Great Success, yeah!
Mr. PM, please define success because Pakistanis believe you went to meet your master and he dictated and now you will suppress your people even further
Getting some bucks from US will remain " overall success" for Pakistan for the years and years to come.