ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Thursday expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations with the United States under the new Trump administration, while underscoring the importance of non-interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs as a core principle of engagement.
Speaking at the weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two nations. “US-Pakistan relations remain very important to us. There’s a decades-old, robust legacy on which we can build, and we remain ready to engage with the new administration to take these relations forward,” he said.
Khan emphasized the multi-faceted nature of ties between the two countries, covering various areas of cooperation. “We look forward to continuing the positive trajectory of our relations and remain engaged with the new administration,” he added.
The Trump administration’s policies towards South Asia, particularly its stance on India and China, are expected to influence Islamabad’s relationship with Washington. Despite these dynamics, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a strong relationship with the US while maintaining sovereignty in domestic affairs. “Non-interference in internal affairs is a fundamental principle that shapes interstate relations,” Khan asserted.
The spokesman’s remarks come amid increasing US scrutiny of Pakistan’s ties with China, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and its strained relations with India.
Meanwhile, a Congressional briefing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday marked the first engagement of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters with the new US Congress. The session, attended by Republican and Democratic lawmakers, highlighted Pakistan’s political landscape, including concerns over military trials of civilians and alleged anti-democratic measures against the PTI.
US lawmakers and rights activists at the briefing urged Congress to address these issues, signaling a push for accountability and democratic reforms in Pakistan.
The developments reflect the complex interplay of domestic and international factors shaping US-Pakistan relations in the months ahead.
