US Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland has assured Pakistan of Washington’s support in stabilizing their economy and continual engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This reassurance came during a phone call between Nuland and Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Wednesday.
Last month, the IMF’s executive board approved a $3 billion nine-month standby arrangement (SBA) for Pakistan to support their economic stabilization program. The package includes $2.25 billion Special Drawing Rights, which amount to approximately $3 billion or 111% of Pakistan’s quota.
During their conversation, Nuland congratulated FM Jilani on his appointment and the two leaders discussed broadening and deepening the US-Pakistan partnership on matters of mutual concern. The focus of the talks was on Pakistan’s economic stability and its continued engagement with the IMF.
In a separate statement, the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, stated that the leaders also talked about the importance of timely, free, and fair elections in accordance with Pakistan’s laws and constitution.
Meanwhile, FM Jilani highlighted Pakistan’s strong relationship and cooperation with the US. He mentioned that the agreement reached during his conversation with Nuland aimed to further strengthen this partnership. He also stated that trade volume between the two countries had reached $20 billion annually and clarified that the US had not demanded the termination of Pakistan’s trade relations with any country, including China or Russia.
FM Jilani is expected to accompany the interim prime minister to the 78th UNGA in New York next month. The Pakistani delegation, including Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, hopes to have a series of meetings with US officials during their stay.
In previous meetings, both Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome emphasized the caretaker government’s responsibility to support the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in holding general elections. The United States reaffirmed its support for free and fair elections conducted in accordance with Pakistan’s laws and constitution.
Although the National Assembly was dissolved and a caretaker government announced, the election schedule had to be adjusted due to the Council of Common Interests’ decision to approve digital census results. The ECP announced a new timeline for delimiting the constituencies, extending beyond the constitutional deadline for polling.
Additional reporting by Abdullah Momand.