US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, initiated a series of strategic engagements in Multan, a pivotal move following his earlier meeting with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif. The discussions, as reported by Express News, revolved around fortifying the principles of free and fair elections, coupled with a concerted effort to bolster trade and investment ties between the United States and Pakistan.
The day commenced with Ambassador Blome participating in a multifaceted meeting hosted by former Prime Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. Attended by key political figures from South Punjab, the discussions aimed at fostering a nuanced understanding of the evolving political landscape in the region.
ملتان: سابق وزیراعظم اور سینیٹ میں پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے پارلیمانی لیڈر سینیٹر مخدوم سید یوسف رضا گیلانی نے گیلانی ہاؤس ملتان میں امریکی سفیر ڈونلڈ بلوم اور امریکی قونصل جنرل مس کرسٹن کے ہاکنز سے ملاقات کی pic.twitter.com/c45MF1CLk9
— Pakistan Peoples Party – PPP (@PPP_Org) November 18, 2023
Prominent figures present at the meeting included former Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, ex-Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Dost Muhammad Khan Khosa, Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, and a host of other influential leaders. The dialogue spanned a spectrum of topics, extending a warm welcome to the US ambassador and delving into the potential political scenarios post-general elections.
کراچی: پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی پارلیمنٹرینز کے صدر آصف علی زرداری کی برطانوی ہائی کمشنر جین میریٹ سے ملاقات
کراچی: سابق صدر مملکت آصف علی زرداری کی شاہ چارلس کے جنم دن کے حوالے سے اظہار مسرت کا پیغام
کراچی: صدر آصف زرداری کا ڈیوڈ کیمرون کے وزیرخارجہ بننے پر بھی نیک تمناؤں کا اظہار… pic.twitter.com/7rpwqbdRGf
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) November 18, 2023
In a separate engagement, Ambassador Blome met with Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Patron-in-Chief Jehangir Tareen in Lahore. The talks, held at Tareen’s residence, delved into critical aspects of Pak-US relations, economic reforms, and the forthcoming general elections. The discourse extended to economic reforms, showcasing a mutual commitment to fostering a robust economic partnership.
Tareen underscored his party’s preparedness for the impending electoral process, shedding light on their rigorous election and political activities. Additionally, he voiced the party’s stance on human rights conditions in Pakistan, marking a comprehensive dialogue between the US ambassador and the IPP leadership.
The diplomatic initiatives also included a crucial meeting between Ambassador Blome and PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif, signifying the second interaction of the party leader with a foreign dignitary within the week. Their discussions encapsulated the enduring relationship between Pakistan and the United States, with a focus on the political and economic landscape in preparation for the upcoming general elections.
In parallel developments, in Karachi, former President and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari engaged in diplomatic discourse with British High Commissioner Jane Marriot, illuminating the multifaceted nature of international relations. The talks encompassed bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, with Zardari extending best wishes on King Charles’ birthday and congratulating David Cameron on his new role as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs.
A global perspective emerged during the discussions as Zardari urged Britain to play a reconciliatory role in ending Israeli aggression in Gaza, highlighting the significance of international collaboration in addressing regional conflicts. The meeting witnessed the presence of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Dr. Asim Husain.