Finance
After being invited by the US and co-host countries, Pakistan has decided not to attend the second Summit for Democracy 2023.
In response to media inquiries about Pakistan’s response to Washington’s invitation, the Foreign Office in Islamabad stated that the country would not participate in the Summit but would continue to engage with the US.
“We are thankful to the US and the co-host countries for inviting Pakistan to attend the second Summit for Democracy being held on March 29-30. As a vibrant democracy, the people of Pakistan are deeply committed to democratic values and generations of Pakistanis time after time have upheld their faith in democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“We value our friendship with the United States. Under the Biden Administration, this relationship has widened and expanded substantially. We remain committed to further solidifying this relationship for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region,” the Office said in a statement.
Pakistan has maintained that it was not a part of the summit’s first session, which was held in 2021, and that the second edition is now in the planning stages, which would be a continuation of the understandings and commitments made by countries.
According to the Foreign Office statement, this appears to be the reason Islamabad is declining the invitation to participate in the second Summit for Democracy.
“Pakistan has not been part of the Summit process that commenced in 2021 and required countries to make certain national commitments. The Summit process is now at an advanced stage and therefore, Pakistan would engage bilaterally with the US and co-hosts of the Summit to promote and strengthen democratic principles and values and work towards advancing human rights and the fight against corruption,” it maintained.
The decision not to attend the Summit put Islamabad on a tightrope of decision-making, as the country’s current security and economic situation complicated its position.
Pakistan has been working with the United States and other Western countries to repair damaged ties and open new diplomatic chapters.
Pakistan is one of over 100 countries invited by President Joe Biden’s administration to the three-day event, prompting intense debate over whether to accept the invitation.
One reason for Pakistan’s precarious position is that the US did not extend an invitation to China or Turkey, both of which have strong ties with Pakistan.
According to analysts, Pakistan’s decision not to participate in the summit can be seen in light of its close ties with China and relevant concerns that Beijing may have on it.
Source:IANS
