Redefining Pak-US ties

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It is a satisfactory statement from the United States and a positive gesture that the United States is extending its full support and solidarity with Pakistan during the difficult time of devastating floods. It means that Pak-US relations are heading in the positive direction. The United States also expressed willingness to support the current regime in power in Pakistan. The United States is the sole superpower and can support Pakistan in revival of its economy and transfer of technology in many fields. It is a great development that the United States announced aid in millions as humanitarian assistance to support people and communities affected by flooding in Pakistan. There is no doubt that Pakistan needed sustainable relations with the United States based on mutual respect and trust.
Senior Policy Adviser to the US Secretary of State Derek Chollet held meeting with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The PM said Pakistan is committed to deepen and widen its ties, especially in the areas of security, health, climate change, trade and investment. On behalf of the Biden Administration, Derek Chollet affirmed that the U.S. would stand by Pakistan in the wake of this immense challenge, extend vital support, and help affected people rebuild their lives and communities. He expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Government and people of Pakistan at the precious lives, resulting from the riverine floods.
The international community is coming forward to support Pakistan in provision of relief to flood-affected people in the country. Pak-US relations were on the low level in the past few years but the need of the hour is to bring the bilateral relations towards normalcy. The strong bilateral relations between both the countries are in the national interests of Pakistan and the United States as well. At this point of time, the United States is a big market for Pakistani exports. During the visit of foreign minister to the United States the superpower reiterated the commitment that it will continue to work bilaterally on ways to grow investment and trade opportunities to build a prosperous and stable Pakistan.
On the other hand, the U.S. administration has announced the approval of the potential sale of F-16 aircraft sustainment and related equipment to Pakistan in a deal valued at up to $450 million. “The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Pakistan of F-16 Case for Sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of $450 million,” the department said. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Wednesday. This is a positive development between the two countries and this should be a new beginning to reinforce closer, broad-based relations between Pakistan and the US. The proposed sale will continue the sustainment of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, which greatly improves Pakistan’s ability to support counterterrorism operations through its robust air-to-ground capability,” the State Department said, adding that Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. There is a dire need for a constructive and sustained engagement between the two countries, based on the principles of mutual trust, respect and understanding.