Biden assures Premier Sharif of 'forging a strong partnership' with Pakistan

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - US President Joe Biden has assured Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of "forging a strong partnership" with Islamabad.

In his first letter to new Pakistani premier after last month's election, Biden said enduring partnership between Washington and Islamabad is critical to ensuring the security of people of both countries and people around the world.

"The United States will continue to stand with Pakistan to tackle the most pressing global and regional challenges of our time," said Biden in his letter, shared with media by the US embassy in Islamabad on Friday.

Sharif took office for the second time as prime minister earlier this month following Feb. 8 general elections in the South Asian country.

Biden further said that his country is committed to working with Pakistan to protect human rights and promote progress.

"That includes advancing our shared vision for a future of greater health security, economic growth, and access to education for all. Through our U.S.-Pakistan 'Green Alliance' framework, we will also continue to strengthen our climate resilience, support sustainable agriculture and water management, and assist with Pakistan’s recovery from the devastating floods in 2022," he added.

Biden sent letter to Sharif after US lawmakers earlier this month had urged the US president and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to refrain from recognizing the new government in Pakistan until free and fair investigation of rigging allegations.

Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whose affiliated independent candidates won the highest number of seats in the Feb. 8 elections, has been complaining about alleged rigging, and calling the Sharif government "illegal."

The Election Commission rejects rigging charges.