US-Pakistan ties go beyond security: Blome

ISLAMABAD: While appreciating Pakistan’s contribution for elimination of terrorism and counter-terrorism efforts, US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome has underlined the US commitment to supporting Islamabad in various areas, including countering regional threats, economic collaboration, renewable energy, climate management and education.

Addressing a conference ‘Strengthening Pakistan-US Relations’ on Wednesday under the auspices of Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and Beaconhouse National University (BNU) Lahore, the US envoy underscored that the US-Pakistan partnership goes beyond security and includes significant investments in health, trade and development sectors.

Ambassador Blome highlighted the US recognition of Pakistan’s potential, particularly its dynamic young population and economic opportunities. He discussed the importance of US-Pakistan relationship, emphasizing the long history of partnership and cooperation between the two nations. The event featured distinguished diplomats, practitioners, and academics from both Pakistan and the United States.

Additional Foreign Secretary (Americas), Ambassador Mariam Madiha Aftab, said that the Pakistan-US relationship is dynamic and multifaceted, covering areas such as health, trade, defence, and energy security. She emphasised the importance of economic collaboration, security cooperation, educational exchanges and climate change initiatives.

Beaconhouse Center for Policy Research (BCPR) Director Mansoor Khan emphasised the multifaceted nature of Pakistan-US relations, highlighting political, security, defence cooperation, and economic ties. He announced the launch of a new undergraduate course on Pakistan-US relations at the BNU.

ISSI Centre for Strategic Perspectives Director Dr Neelum Nigar noted the significant contributions of the US to Pakistan’s development in sectors like education, healthcare, and climate change. She stressed the need for mutual respect and cooperation to address contemporary challenges and opportunities.

ISSI Director General Sohail Mahmood acknowledged the evolving nature of Pakistan-US partnership. Stressing the importance of realistic expectations, he called for greater attention to Pakistan’s historical role and cumulative power potential in the emerging global order and the need for the US to focus on Pakistan’s preoccupations and interests. Relating to regional concerns, particularly the impact of US-India strategic partnership on Pakistan’s security especially within the ‘Indo-Pacific’ construct, he called for a responsive approach from Washington.