Biden’s key South Asia official meets Pakistan PM’s aide in bid to repair ties

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The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing its bilateral ties with Pakistan by advancing economical, commercial, and health cooperation during the meeting between senior officials of the two countries.

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, on Thursday July 21, 2022, met with Tarik Fatemi, special assistant to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and discussed bilateral cooperation and other regional issues important to regional security.

A statement released by the State Department said that Sherman reaffirmed “shared goals for enhancing the U.S.-Pakistan relationship by advancing our economic and commercial ties and health cooperation.”

“The Deputy Secretary and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister also discussed coordination on Afghanistan, regional stability, and the devastating effects of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on food security in Pakistan and worldwide.”

The meeting is significant as it came at a time when both countries are trying to revive the bilateral relationship. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan and subsequent anti-American rhetoric by Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan had impaired ties between the countries.

Khan’s allegation, accusing the United State of regime change conspiracy in Pakistan, also affected the ties between the countries.

Significantly, in recent months, Pakistan’s government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pushed for the revival of the relationship, terming the country one of the most important “strategic partners.”

In May, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto met US Secretary of States Anthony Blinken in New York and reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing ties in the field of economic cooperation, climate change, food security, and regional security.

For Pakistan, the ties with Washington are crucial, especially when the country is facing a deep economic crisis. Islamabad is also hoping for support from Washington to secure the IMF package.

Last month, when Pakistan was struggling in negotiation with the IMF, the country had reportedly sought support from Washington to help them in talks.

Since the US withdrawal from the region, the security situation has deteriorated, especially in Pakistan’s border region with Afghanistan. The growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has become another concern for Pakistan, which requires cooperation from the United States in dealing with the situation.