Pakistan willing to work with US for int’l peace, PM to Biden

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan has responded to a letter from US President Joe Biden, expressing Pakistan's readiness to collaborate with the United States on the common goals of international peace and regional security. The exchange of letters took place on July 30, 2022, when Biden wrote to congratulate Sharif on his election as the new prime minister of Pakistan and reaffirmed the US commitment to supporting Pakistan in various areas.

In his response, Sharif expressed gratitude for Biden's message and acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the two countries. He emphasized that Pakistan attaches great importance to its partnership with the US and is committed to working together to address common challenges, particularly in the realm of international peace and security in the region.

The US-Pakistan relationship has been marked by a complex history, with periods of cooperation and tension. The two countries have cooperated on various issues, including counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability, but have also faced challenges related to security concerns and disagreements over various policy issues.

Biden's letter came at a time when the US is focusing on regional security in South Asia, particularly in Afghanistan, where the Taliban have taken control following the withdrawal of US troops in 2021. The US has expressed concerns over the human rights situation in Afghanistan and the potential for the country to become a safe haven for terrorist groups.

Pakistan has been urged by the international community to play a constructive role in ensuring stability in Afghanistan and preventing the spillover of violence into its territory. The country shares a long border with Afghanistan and has historically been a transit route for militants moving between the two countries.

The US has also expressed interest in engaging with Pakistan on economic issues, particularly in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a massive infrastructure project that is a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative. The US has raised concerns over the transparency and sustainability of CPEC, but has also acknowledged the potential economic benefits it could bring to Pakistan.

In his response to Biden's letter, Sharif did not specifically mention CPEC or any other contentious issues, focusing instead on the broader theme of international peace and regional security. The two leaders are expected to hold a virtual meeting in the coming weeks to discuss various issues of mutual interest.

In conclusion, the exchange of letters between Biden and Sharif marks a positive step in the US-Pakistan relationship, which has been marked by ups and downs in recent years. The two countries have common interests in ensuring regional stability and international peace, and there is potential for cooperation on economic issues as well. The upcoming virtual meeting between the leaders is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss these issues in detail and explore ways to deepen the partnership between the two countries.