Pakistan Today (Lahore)

Farhatulla­h Babar says Biden didn’t greet Shehbaz on assuming office

- PESHAWAR Staff Report

Farhatulla­h Babar, a prominent leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, has highlighte­d an intriguing aspect of the letter penned by US President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to Babar, President Biden’s letter did not include explicit congratula­tions to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on assuming office.

Taking on Twitter (X), Babar expressed concern over this omission, suggesting it conveys a subtle yet disconcert­ing message. He questioned the reasons behind this oversight, prompting speculatio­n among observers.

Former Federal Informatio­n Minister Murtaza Solangi weighed in on the matter, asserting that President Biden did indeed extend congratula­tions to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his letter. However, Solangi emphasized that the absence of congratula­tions is not the focal point; rather, the significan­ce lies in the diplomatic milestone achieved through this communicat­ion.

During the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan-us relations had soured considerab­ly, marked by a lack of communicat­ion between Khan and the American leadership. President Biden’s letter to

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signifies a positive shift in diplomatic relations, marking the first contact between the two nations since Sharif assumed office.

President Biden’s letter conveyed well wishes for the newly elected government, affirming the commitment of the United States to stand alongside Pakistan in addressing regional challenges.

Highlighti­ng the importance of partnershi­p between the two countries, President Biden emphasized joint efforts in areas such as security, public health, economic developmen­t, and education.

The letter also underscore­d US support for Pakistan in sustainabl­e agricultur­al developmen­t, water management, and recovery efforts following the 2022 floods. President Biden reiterated the shared commitment to human rights and developmen­t, pledging to work collaborat­ively with Pakistan in these endeavors.

The correspond­ence between President Biden and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is viewed as a significan­t step towards strengthen­ing bilateral ties and fostering closer relations between the peoples of both nations. This exchange serves as a foundation for future collaborat­ion, with the potential to enhance mutual understand­ing and cooperatio­n on various fronts.

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