US Senator Chris Van Hollen emphasized during the annual meeting and galadinner of the DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) chapter of the Association ofPakistani Physicians of North America that the Biden administration has nointentions of interfering in Pakistan’s internal politics and firmly deniedany allegations of political manipulation. He assured Pakistani journaliststhat there had been no efforts to meddle in Pakistani politics by the USgovernment.
The senator’s statement came amid an investigation involving PakistanTehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, who claimed to possessdiplomatic evidence suggesting US involvement in his removal from powerthrough a no-confidence vote in April of the previous year.
Senator Hollen, a guest of honor at the event, attended alongsidePakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Masood Khan. This occasion provided anopportunity for the American politician to address crucial topics relatedto US-Pakistan relations and the Biden administration’s role in Pakistanipolitics. He reiterated that the responsibility for choosing Pakistan’sleaders lies with its people and emphasized the importance of ensuring thatthe will of the Pakistani citizens is respected, advocating for free andfair elections.
Highlighting the global significance of transparent elections, Senator VanHollen stressed that the US, along with other democracies, and the peopleof Pakistan have a vested interest in ensuring elections are conductedfreely and fairly.
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Regarding bilateral relations between the two countries, the senatorexpressed the Biden administration’s desire for a strong partnership withPakistan. He cited recent US assistance after devastating floods inPakistan as evidence of the American government’s commitment to the nationduring challenging times.
Additionally, he commended the US’s role in supporting Pakistan’s $3billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package. Senator Hollenunderscored the importance of maintaining positive relations with Pakistan,emphasizing that such relations are crucial for global stability andsecurity.
