Islamabad to maintain 'balanced relations' with friends, Pakistani army chief says on US visit

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistan’s army chief said Wednesday that Islamabad believes in maintaining a “balanced” relationship with all “friendly countries,” according to the army.

Gen. Asim Munir said Pakistan wants to broaden bilateral engagement with the US, during interaction with prominent US think tanks and media members in Washington DC,

“Pakistan is a country of consequence both from the geopolitical and geo-economic perspective and wishes to develop itself as a hub of connectivity and a gateway to Central Asia and beyond; however, it refrains from bloc politics and believes in maintaining balanced relationships with all friendly countries,” said Munir, according to a statement from the army

Munir was referring to tense relations between China and the US, both longtime allies of Islamabad.

Relations between Islamabad and Washington became tense after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan and the US withdrew its forces in August 2021.

“Pakistan desires to broaden bilateral engagement with the US through long-term multi-domain partnership,” said Munir, adding that his recent meetings with the political and military leadership of the US were very positive, and Pakistan was looking forward to strengthening the relationship.

Last year, bilateral annual trade between the US and Pakistan remained at more than $9.1 billion, making the two countries the most prominent military and trade partners.