US experts analyzing President Joe Biden’s recent letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan noted that it marked a departure from the approach taken by his predecessor, Imran Khan.
However, they observed that while Biden’s letter did not extend congratulations to Sharif for assuming power or winning the election, it also avoided addressing the issue of elections characterized as lacking in fairness by Assistant Secretary Donald Lu.
Shuja Nawaz, associated with the South Asia Centre at the Atlantic Council, Washington, highlighted the absence of references to the elections, raising questions about US support for a transparent review. He also noted the dwindling US aid to Pakistan in recent years, emphasizing the need for more substantial assistance.
READ ALSO — Youtuber Shiraz and Muskan Meet PM Shehbaz Sharif
Michael Kugelman, from the Wilson Centre’s South Asia Institute, emphasized the letter’s significance in the context of Pakistan’s domestic politics, noting that it differed from messages received by Imran Khan. However, he described it as routine, pledging continued partnership post-Afghanistan withdrawal.
Murtaza Haider, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, criticized the letter for avoiding crucial matters in US-Pakistan relations, such as security and political instability. He suggested it lacked commitment to financial or other support and failed to address the political turmoil following the February elections.
Uzair Younus, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Centre, highlighted the letter’s focus on themes identified as US priorities by diplomats. However, he noted the absence of congratulations on winning the elections and the letter’s lack of explicit mention of regional challenges like terrorism.
