US, British envoys lay stress on ‘inclusive elections’

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The ambassadors of the US and UK held separate meetings with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto and PMLN Quaid Nawaz Sharif here on Monday, calling for inclusive election on February 8.

According to the PPP media cell, US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome called on Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at Zardari House, Islamabad and stressed the importance of free, fair, and inclusive elections.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Ambassador Donald Blome discussed bilateral relations, the US-Pakistan trade and investment relationship and the development of the US-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework.

According to Acting US Mission Spokesperson Thomas Montgomery, in the course of his engagements with a broad range of Pakistani political stakeholders, US Ambassador Donald Blome met with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to discuss current political issues, including the importance of free, fair, and inclusive elections. They also discussed the strength of the US-Pakistan trade and investment relationship and the development of the US-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework.

In Lahore, the UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriot met the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. The meeting was also attended by former Prime Minister and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Shehbaz Sharif, Senior Vice President and Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz Sharif, PMLN Chairman Election Cell Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

During the meeting, there was an exchange of thoughts on matters of mutual interest. Nawaz said strong relations between Pakistan and Britain are in the interest of both countries. They were playing an important role in strengthening the friendship between the resident Pakistanis in Britain and both countries, he added.

The former Prime Minister was of the view that the promotion of relations in various fields, including trade and investment, between Pakistan and Britain was the need of the hour.

In her tweet, Jane Marriot said, “Currently spending time in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad meeting all the main political parties. Continuation of fundamental economic reform is essential. Inclusive elections on 8th February are vital for Pakistan’s future.”