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John Bass discussed bilateral cooperation in Pakistan: US State…

17 September 2024
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The US State Department said on Monday that Under Secretary John Bass discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in his recent visit to Pakistan.

Bass had met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir in Islamabad, according to a readout from the US Embassy in Islamabad on Monday.

Speaking at a routine press briefing on Monday, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that discussions included countering terrorism.

“So they discussed our approaches to expanding bilateral cooperation on economic and security issues, including countering terrorism and violent extremism, the importance of fostering regional stability and prosperity,” Miller said in response to a question regarding Bass’ visit.

“The under secretary expressed his gratitude for Pakistan’s continued cooperation in assisting Afghans in resettlement pathways to the United States, and we will continue to work closely with the Government of Pakistan on all these issues,” Miller said.

“The Under Secretary congratulated the Deputy Prime Minister on Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term and expressed the United States’ interest in working closely with the Government of Pakistan during its tenure,” the readout had added.

Science & Environment

US imposes sanctions on Chinese suppliers to Pakistan’s ballistic…

13 September 2024
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The US State Department on Thursday imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies it said have been involved in supplying Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme.

Washington similarly targeted three China-based companies with sanctions in October 2023 for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan.

Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry had worked with Pakistan to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel systems and potentially for larger systems.

The sanctions also targeted China-based firms Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co, Universal Enterprise, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Co, alongside Pakistan-based Innovative Equipment and a Chinese national, for knowingly transferring equipment under missile technology restrictions, Miller said.

“As today’s actions demonstrate, the United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur,” Miller said.

Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington, said: “China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council.”

China will “firmly protect” Chinese companies’ and individuals’ rights and interests, Liu said.

Pakistan’s embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last year also, the United States had imposed sanctions on three China-based companies that it said worked to supply missile‐applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. A State Department statement identified the firms as General Technology Limited, Beijing Luo Luo Technology Development Co Ltd, and Changzhou Utek Composite Company Ltd.

It said General Technology had worked to supply brazing materials used to join components in ballistic missile rocket engines and in the production of combustion chambers; Beijing Luo Luo had worked to supply mandrels and other machinery, which can be used in the production of solid-propellant rocket motors, the US said.

The third firm, Changzhou Utek Composite, had worked since 2019 to supply D-glass fiber, quartz fabric, and high silica cloth, all of which have applications in missile systems, the statement had said.

“Today’s actions demonstrate that the United States will continue to act against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery, and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur,” the statement said back then.

Science & Environment

US uses 'whole of government approach' to fight terrorism…

2 August 2024
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US State Department said Friday it is working to ensure that Afghanistan never serves as a launching pad for terrorist attacks against the US or its allies in the wake of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report’s revelation about the use of Afghan soil for terrorism.

State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, while addressing a presser on Thursday, commented on the matter after being questioned about the US’s views on the UN report.

Patel said: “So we’ve spoken a little bit about this before. [Daesh]-K is a transnational terrorist network that has the ambition and capacity to launch international terrorist attacks.”

He added that the US is taking a “whole-of-government approach to our Afghanistan counterterrorism efforts”.

“We are cooperating with partners and allies, including in the immediate region; and we’re working vigilantly to prevent the re-emergence of external threats from Afghanistan, including by working with partners to counteract terrorist recruitment efforts as well,” said the spokesperson.

In its report, the UNSC has endorsed Pakistan’s view regarding terrorists of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) taking refuge within hideouts and sanctuaries in Afghanistan. It also revealed that TTP operatives and its new recruits are being trained in Afghanistan.

The Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which produced the UNSC report, said Pakistan suffered more than eight hundred attacks in the past several months.

It added that the terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan is causing heightened concern in many UN member states.

The report underscored that there is increased support and collaboration between TTP and the Taliban, sharing manpower and training camps in Afghanistan and conducting more lethal attacks under the banner of Tehreek-e Jihad Pakistan.

“According to the report, Al-Qaeda seeks to strengthen cooperation with regional terrorist organizations of non-Afghan origin, such as ETIM/TIP, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and Jamaat Ansarullah for expansion to Central Asia,” a Radio Pakistan news report stated.

When asked if any conversation was taking place between US and India about the successive assassination plans targeting Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the State Department spokesperson told the reporter to refer to the “Canadian Government to comment on issues that are happening within their law enforcement system”.

Patel, in response to the question, said that the US expects accountability from the Indian government with regards to the matter.

“As we have said before, we continue to expect accountability from the Government of India in relation to the alleged role of an Indian Government employee and the failed attempt to assassinate a US citizen on US soil that occurred last summer, and we continue to raise our concerns directly with the Indian Government at senior levels,” said the spokesperson.

According to an international media reports, five men were arrested on firearms charges on November 3, 2023, near Brampton, Ontario, a day before the son of a prominent member of the Sikh independence movement was to be married in the Toronto-area city.

Prominent personalities, including New York-based lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, were set to attend the event.

Those arrested included Amandeep Singh, who was later charged in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Sikh leader killed in British Columbia in June 2023.

It should be noted that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had accused Narendra Modi-led government in New Delhi of directing the assassination.

Science & Environment

US does not take any position on political issues…

25 July 2024
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A United States official said on Wednesday that all political parties should receive equal treatment and the US will urge respect for human rights in the country.

Speaking at a routine press briefing on Wednesday, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the US does not take position on internal political matters in Pakistan.

“… internal political matters in Pakistan are something that we do not take a position on. We urge respect for democracy, respect for human rights, and treatment of all political parties equally,” Miller said.

He also said that the $101 million requested from Congress will be used to strengthen democracy and fight terrorism in Pakistan.

“We would use that for the types of programs to strengthen democracy and civil society, to counter terrorism and extremism, to support economic reforms and debt managemen,” he said.

“We have made similar budget requests and similar budget authority – received similar budget authority from Congress in the past and made – and invested, used the funds that were appropriated by Congress to invest in our partnership with Pakistan.”

He went on to add that if the funds were approved by Congress, they will be used in the same way as they were in this year and previous years.

The US administration has sought a budget of $101 million for Pakistan to “strengthen democracy, fight terrorism, and stabilise the country’s economy, US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu told a congressional panel in Washington on Tuesday.

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US expresses concerns over arrests of PTI leaders –…

24 July 2024
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The US State Department has expressed concerns over the arrests of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, urging the South Asian nation to respect human rights and uphold democratic principles.

“We have seen the reports of the arrests of PTI leaders. We are always concerned when we see arrests of opposition leaders,” said US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller while speaking at a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday.

Washington’s reaction comes against the backdrop of PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hasan’s arrest for allegedly heading a digital media cell involved in running propaganda against Pakistan and its integrity.

Hasan, a prominent PTI official, was taken into custody by Islamabad Police on Monday from the party’s Central Secretariat in the federal capital and handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on a two-day physical remand by a district and sessions court on Tuesday.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against 12 PTI officials and workers including Hasan under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act’s sections 9 (glorification of an offence), 10 (cyber-terrorism), and 11 (hate speech).

Meanwhile, authorities have also sealed the party’s Central Secretariat building citing violations of relevant fire safety regulations, according to the media reports.

The party has faced mass arrests and a nationwide crackdown since the May 9 riots which were triggered after the arrest of its founder Imran Khan in a graft case and saw several military and state installations being vandalised.

The party’s leadership, including Khan and other senior leaders with the likes of Shah Mahmood Qureshi and others, are already behind bars owing to their alleged involvement in various cases.

Reacting to Hasan’s arrest, Miller said: “I’m always personally concerned when I see the arrest of a spokesperson.”

He further reiterated Washington’s support the peaceful upholding of constitutional and democratic principles, including the rule of law, equal justice under the law, and respect for human rights like freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.

“We urge that these principles be respected in accordance with Pakistan’s constitution and laws,” he added.

Last week, US President Joe Biden’s administration had expressed concerns over the incumbent government’s announcement of its decision to ban the former ruling party and lodge treason cases against its founder and other leaders.

Earlier this month, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar revealed that announced that the federal government was planning to impose a ban on its political rival PTI over its alleged involvement in anti-state activities.

In response, Miller referred to the media reports and the Pakistani government’s announcement, saying the development “is a beginning of the complex process”.

“[…] certainly banning of the political party would be of great concern to us,” he remarked.

Science & Environment

After UN body's report on Imran Khan, US asks…

2 July 2024
by admin

After a United Nations body decried Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s detention in “politically motivated” cases, the US State Department has asked Pakistan to respect people’s fundamental human rights.

Addressing a press briefing on Monday, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said the US officials, whether that be Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken, Assistant Secretary Donald Lu or Ambassador Donald Blome, have consistently and privately and publicly urged Pakistan to respect the rights of its people in line with its constitution and international commitments.

He said this in response to a question about the resolution passed by the US House of Representatives seeking an investigation into the Feb 8 elections. The official refused to speak on the pending congressional legislation, however, he stressed upon respecting human rights.

“We urge the Government of Pakistan to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression, freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and the freedom of religion as well,” he said.

The comments from the State Department came after the Geneva-based UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared the PTI founder’s detention arbitrary and in violation of international law.

“…appropriate remedy would be to release Mr. Khan immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law,” the group said.

The UN body said Khan’s legal woes were part of a “much larger campaign of repression” against him and his political party. It remarked that during the 2024 elections, members of PTI were arrested, tortured and their rallies were disrupted.

It also alleged “widespread fraud on election day, stealing dozens of parliamentary seats.”

Imran Khan’s detention ‘internal matter’

On the other hand, the State Department reiterated that Imran Khan’s detention was an internal matter of the country.

“…in the case of Khan, you’ve heard us say this before: This is an internal matter for Pakistan,” said the spokesperson.

To a question about the credibility of Pakistani elections and allegations of massive rigging, Patel said Pakistani elections continued to be an area of focus for the US.

“This is something that we have continued to raise with our partners in Pakistan, yes. That continues to be an area of focus of ours.”

Science & Environment

US supports Pakistan's efforts for IMF bailout – SUCH…

3 May 2024
by admin

The US State Department Thursday extended an “unwavering support” for Pakistan’s economic success and its progress to stabilise fragile economy including through reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

State Department’s spokesperson Matthew Miller said this in response to a query during his daily press briefing.

“When it comes to efforts to stabilise its economy, including through reaching an agreement with the IMF, we support those efforts. We support the progress that Pakistan has made to stabilise its economy and manage its daunting debt burden,” he stated.

The Washington-based lender, on April 30, released the last tranche of $1.1 billion for Pakistan under the $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA).

“The Executive Board of the IMF completed the second and final review of Pakistan’s economic reform programme supported by the IMF’s Stand-By Arrangement (SBA),” the Fund had said in an official statement issued on its website.

“The Board’s decision allows for an immediate disbursement of SDR 828 million (around $1.1 billion), bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to SDR 2.250 billion (about $3 billion).”

On economic reforms in Pakistan, Miller said Washington encouraged the government to prioritise and expand economic reforms to address its economic challenges, and its support for Pakistan’s economic success was unwavering.

“We will continue to engage with them through technical engagements as well as through our trade and investment ties, all of which are priorities of our bilateral relationship,” he maintained.

It is important to note that Pakistan has formally requested for an extended and larger in order to stabilise the economy. An IMF delegation is expected to visit the country this month to discuss the matter in detail with the Pakistani authorities.

Science & Environment

US signals readiness to work with new Pakistani government…

5 March 2024
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The United States has welcomed the return of Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister and assured that Washington will work with the new Pakistani government on “advancing shared interests” of the two countries.

“So I’m not going to speak with respect to the new prime minister, but as we’ve said before, we value our longstanding partnership with Pakistan and have always viewed a strong, prosperous, and democratic Pakistan as critical to United States-Pakistan interests, and our engagement with new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his government will continue to focus on advancing these shared interests,” said State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller in a press briefing on Monday

His comments came hours after PM Shehbaz Sharif took the oath as the country’s 24th premier at the President’s House in Islamabad.

President Dr Arif Alvi administered the oath to the newly-elected premier in a ceremony which was attended by several dignitaries including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir.

Shehbaz was elected as the prime minister on Sunday, retaining the title after his 16-month-long stint in the top coveted position from April 2022 to August 2023.

This is the second time that Shehbaz will serve the nation as the premier after receiving 201 votes against his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) opponent Omar Ayub Khan who got 92 votes in a ruckus-marred session of the Parliament’s lower house.

Maryam as CM a ‘milestone’ for Pakistani politics

The United States also welcomed the “selection” of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz as the first female chief minister and termed it a “milestone in Pakistani politics”.

“So her selection as chief minister is a milestone in Pakistani politics. We look forward to cooperating with Pakistan more broadly on integrating women more fully into the country’s political life, in the economy, including through the US-Pakistan Women’s Council, civil society, and other decision-making spaces,” said the spokesperson.

Miller emphasised that an inclusive Pakistan will create a “strong, prosperous country” which would benefit all Pakistanis and “so we are always pleased when we see cracks in the glass ceiling anywhere in the world”.

Maryam, who has become the first woman chief minister in Pakistan’s history, won the elections after obtaining 220 votes in the Punjab Assembly last week.

Her opponent, Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) candidate Rana Aftab Ahmad, did not get any votes as the party boycotted the elections after they were stopped from speaking.

Apart from becoming the first female chief minister in the country, Maryam has also become the fourth member of the Sharif family and the first woman member of her family to get elected as CM.

The PML-N senior vice president was elected on two seats in Lahore — NA 119 and PP-159 — during the February 8 general elections. Post-elections she withdrew from the National Assembly seat.

In the PP-159 constituency, she contested against PTI-backed independent candidate Mehr Sharafat and won with a slim margin.

Overall, she is the sixth member of the Sharif family who has been elected in a general or a by-election.

Before her, Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Abbas Sharif, Hamza Shehbaz and Begum Kalsoom Nawaz were elected from Lahore.