Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif met with US Ambassador David Blome on Saturday at his Lahore home in Jaati Umra. They discussed his party's preparations for the upcoming elections, among other topics.
According to a statement issued by the PML-N, Sharif emphasised the significance of Pakistan's ties with the United States. He particularly recalled his interactions with the US leaders over the years, where both sides had always acknowledged the importance of Pakistan-US ties.
During the meeting, the PML-N supremo shared his views on Pakistan's political and economic situation, particularly his party's preparations for the upcoming elections.
He expressed confidence that the people of Pakistan would once again repose their trust in the PML-N to lead the country out of the myriad problems confronting it today.
The two leaders also discussed the enduring bilateral ties and cooperation over multilateral matters of mutual interest between Pakistan and the US. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of a steadfast and sturdy partnership between the two countries.
They recognised the importance of exploring avenues to boost cooperation and building on the successful outcomes that underpin the robust US-Pakistan bilateral relationship.
Blome and Sharif also discussed diverse domains, including trade, economy, climate change, security, and regional stability.
Regional developments were also discussed.
Sharif raised the issue of Israel's campaign in Gaza and the plight of innocent Palestinians who were being mercilessly killed by the indiscriminate bombardment and imposition of siege around Gaza. He called for an immediate end to hostilities and urgent provision of humanitarian and medical assistance to the people.
The US Ambassador shared US priorities with the PML-N leader and thanked him for a frank and cordial exchange of views during the meeting.
The meeting came a day after some US parliamentarians wrote to the US government urging it to stop military aid to Pakistan over the worsening human rights situation and incarceration of human rights groups and Imran Khan, among others.
Blome meets with Gilani, Tareen
In a statement, Blome said that he met with former prime minister and senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Yusuf Raza Gilani at a gathering in Multan and with Istehkam-e-Pakistan (IPP) Chairman Jahangir Khan Tareen in Lahore.
Readout of U.S. Ambassador Blome’s Meeting with Political Actors in Multan and Lahore pic.twitter.com/71RyskSjaJ
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) November 18, 2023
US Embassy Spokesperson Jonathan Lalley said that Ambassador Blome discussed the importance of free, fair elections and the right of the Pakistani people to choose their future leaders.
They also discussed the strengths of the US- Pakistan trade and investment relationship and the development of the US- Pakistan "Green Alliance" framework.