- PML-N fixes, re-issues statement on Sharif-Blome meeting after PTI paints it as interference in internal affairs
ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador Donald Blome on Saturday met Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and discussed the ‘enduring relationship’ between Pakistan and the United States.
During the meeting, Nawaz Sharif reflected on the historical ties between the two countries and discussed the political and economic situation in Pakistan, particularly in the context of the upcoming general elections. The discussions also encompassed bilateral ties, cooperation on mutual interests, and key issues such as trade, economy, climate change, security, and regional stability.
It was the second meeting of the PML-N supremo with a foreign dignitary as the three-time former premier had previously met British High Commissioner Jane Marriot earlier this week.
During today’s meeting, Nawaz reflected on past interactions with the US leaders, underscoring the mutual acknowledgment of the pivotal role of Pakistan-US ties.
Nawaz shared his views on the political and economic situation of the country, particularly in the context of PML-N’s preparations for the upcoming general 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,” said the PML-N statement.
The two also discussed bilateral ties and cooperation on matters of mutual interest between the two countries and “acknowledged the importance of steadfast and sturdy partnership” between Islamabad and Washington.
Trade, economy, climate change, security and regional stability also came under discussion.
The PML-N statement added that Nawaz “raised the issue of the plight of innocent Palestinians who were being mercilessly killed by the indiscriminate Israeli bombardment and imposition of siege around Gaza”.
Ambassador Blome appraised the PML-N leader of “shared US priorities” and thanked him for the meeting.
PML-N re-issues statement
The PML-N later re-issued the statement on the meeting between the two after the initial statement faced a strong reaction from different quarters.
The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Amb. Donald Blome called on Quaid, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) Muhammad Nawaz Sharif earlier today.
The Quaid PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif emphasized the significance of Pakistan’s relations with the United States. He particularly… pic.twitter.com/5CwkGBu5i1— PMLN (@pmln_org) November 18, 2023
In the first statement’s second paragraph, the PML-N stated that the two leaders discussed the political and economic situation of Pakistan, especially the preparations for the general elections during the meeting, stating that they expressed confidence that the people of Pakistan would once again give PML-N a leadership role to overcome the innumerable problems and crises being faced today.
However, the second statement issued by the party states that the two leaders discussed the political and economic situation of Pakistan as well as the preparations for the general elections, and attributed the second part only to Nawaz where he expressed confidence that the people will once again give PML-N a leadership role.
Meanwhile, the PTI issued a statement on the PML-N’s initial statement and declared the US ambassador’s meeting with “a convicted criminal” an interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan.
In their post about Nawaz Sharif's meeting with US Ambassador Donald Blome, PMLN's official X account attributes a statement to the Ambassador expressing confidence that the people of Pakistan will elect PMLN in the upcoming election.
It is highly inappropriate for foreign… pic.twitter.com/EtrpLDEagQ
— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 18, 2023
US embassy statement
The US embassy also issued a short statement regarding Ambassador’s Blome’s meetings with political leaders in Pakistan.
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
As per the embassy’s statement, besides meeting Nawaz, the envoy also met with “representatives of various political parties” at a gathering hosted by Pakistan Peoples Party’s Yusuf Raza Gilani, as well as Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party leader Jahangir Tareen.
The meetings were held in Lahore and Multan.
