The ambassadors of the United Kingdom and the United States have been holding meetings with leaders of various political parties in Pakistan to discuss the upcoming general elections. US envoy Donald Blome met with various political leaders in Multan and Lahore, including PPP leader Yousaf Raza Gilani and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to discuss the election prospects and concerns about fair elections. Similarly, UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott met with PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari in Karachi to discuss a range of issues, including the party’s confidence in the upcoming polls.
During the meetings, concerns were raised about the level playing field in the run-up to the elections. Both the US and UK envoys expressed interest in understanding the parties’ strategies and assessing the party’s confidence in the upcoming elections. The US ambassador also discussed bilateral ties and regional peace and economic ties with the political leaders.
Nawaz Sharif also met with the US ambassador to discuss the political and economic situation in Pakistan and the preparations for the upcoming elections. They recognized the importance of cooperation between the two countries and the need for free and fair elections. The US embassy reiterated the importance of free, fair elections and the right of the Pakistani people to choose their future leaders.
The political meetings have been a point of controversy, with the PTI issuing a statement condemning the interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs.