ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan decided on Tuesday to forego the second “Summit for Democracy” being held by US President Joe Biden this week after lengthy internal discussions.
Pakistan was also invited to the three-day conference that President Biden organized in 2021 but declined because of worries about China. The US invited more than 100 nations this year, including Taiwan, but again left out China. The Foreign Office sent a statement explaining reasons for not attending the conference only hours before it was scheduled to begin.
It stated in a statement, “We are grateful to the United States and the co-host nations for asking Pakistan to participate in the Second Summit for Democracy being held on March 29-30.”
“The people of Pakistan are deeply committed to democratic values and have consistently upheld their belief in democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. Pakistan is a vibrant democracy. The statement continued, “This month, Pakistan is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Constitution, which is the foundation of the country’s democratic polity.
“We treasure our ties with America. This connection has significantly broadened and developed under the Biden Administration. We are still committed to further fostering this relationship for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.”
According to the statement, Pakistan was not a part of the summit process, which started in 2021 and called on nations to make specific national pledges.
According to the statement, “The Summit process is currently at an advanced level. Pakistan will engage bilaterally with the United States and co-hosts of the Summit to promote and enhance democratic principles and values and cooperate towards furthering human rights and the fight against corruption.”
The US’s choice to exclude China and Turkey from the meeting while Taiwan would be there complicated Pakistan’s decision. Pakistan has strong connections with both China and Turkey, and any decisions will consider both nations’ interests, especially Beijing’s worries.
Due to China’s absence, Islamabad opted out of the first American democracy summit in December 2021. Pakistan did not attend the meeting because President Biden did not talk with Imran Khan, the country’s prime leader. The administration was forced to abstain because Imran was only required to send a taped video message for the meeting.
Beijing had applauded Islamabad’s action, supporting the notion that Pakistan had chosen at China’s urging. There has been a clear push for a new beginning in relations between Pakistan and the US ever since the change of administration in April of last year. Like Pakistan, which is desperately seeking an IMF bailout, the US might play a key role. However, Pakistan must avoid offending China, as their assistance will be crucial without an IMF agreement.
“Truthfully, we must maintain objectivity. We must avoid participating in this struggle between significant countries. “Pakistan skipped the Summit for the second time, according to a source explaining the situation.
