Biden’s letter is diplomatic not congratulatory, says PPP leader

PESHAWAR: Farhatullah Babar, a prominent leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, has highlighted an intriguing aspect of the letter penned by US President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to Babar, President Biden’s letter did not include explicit congratulations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on assuming office.

Taking on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Babar expressed concern over this omission, suggesting it conveys a subtle yet disconcerting message. He questioned the reasons behind this oversight, prompting speculation among observers.

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Former Federal Information Minister Murtaza Solangi weighed in on the matter, asserting that President Biden did indeed extend congratulations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his letter. However, Solangi emphasised that the absence of congratulations is not the focal point; rather, the significance lies in the diplomatic milestone achieved through this communication.

During the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan-US relations had soured considerably, marked by a lack of communication between Khan and the American leadership. President Biden’s letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signifies a positive shift in diplomatic relations, marking the first contact between the two nations since Sharif assumed office.

President Biden’s letter conveyed well wishes for the newly elected government, affirming the commitment of the United States to stand alongside Pakistan in addressing regional challenges. Highlighting the importance of partnership between the two countries, President Biden emphasised joint efforts in areas such as security, public health, economic development, and education.

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The letter also underscored US support for Pakistan in sustainable agricultural development, water management, and recovery efforts following the 2022 floods. President Biden reiterated the shared commitment to human rights and development, pledging to work collaboratively with Pakistan in these endeavors.

The correspondence between President Biden and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is viewed as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties and fostering closer relations between the peoples of both nations. This exchange serves as a foundation for future collaboration, with the potential to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation on various fronts. – INP