WASHINGTON: There are lawmakers in US Congress who suggest continuing arelationship with Pakistan to encourage it to cooperate with the UnitedStates in the war against terrorism.
Congressman Brad Sherman, who met Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi inWashington earlier this month, says that as a member of the House ForeignAffairs Committee, he knows “the significance of US-Pakistan relationshipand the importance of both the friendship between our two countries and ourcountries’ history of cooperation”, Dawn has reported.
“During his recent visit to Washington, I had the opportunity to meet withPrime Minister Abbasi, and I look forward to continuing my work to bridgedivides and strengthen our relationship,” he adds.
Mr Sherman is among 35 US lawmakers who sent messages of support on thePakistan Day, each underlining the importance of a continued engagementwith Pakistan and appreciating the contributions of the Pakistani-Americancommunity to their adopted homeland.
Senator Bob Casey, a member of the US Senate Finance Committee, says thatthe bilateral relationship between the United States and Pakistan also“continues to be critical to the security and stability of the South Asianregion”.
Senator Chris Van Hollen, who was born in Karachi, emphasises the need forhelping Pakistan in its “pursuit of economic prosperity, security, and astrengthened democracy”.
Senator Gary Peters a Michigan Democrat, says he looks forward to playing arole in “strengthening the relationship between Pakistan and the UnitedStates”.
Congressman Ed Royce, chairman the House Foreign Affairs Committee, arguesthat government initiatives are not enough for improving US-Pakistan ties.“There is no greater bridge between our countries thanPakistani-Americans,” he adds.
Congressman Brendan Boyle, another member of the House Foreign AffairsCommittee, believes that relations between the two nations are built on“shared values and mutual defence interests” and are “of great value to thecitizens of each nation”.
Such lawmakers back some officials in the Trump administration who continueto urge Pakistan to do more for eliminating terrorism but also acknowledgethat Pakistan has taken “some positive steps in the right direction”.
Those urging caution point out that Pakistan is not only a nuclear nationbut also has a strategic location – “borders China” – and that’s why itwould be a mistake to alienate it.