During my stay in the UK, I have witnessed a few elections there, and found them open to all. Recently, when US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Bloom and UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott met a few politicians, several friends of mine called it an open interference in our politics.
When general elections are around, foreign diplomats in Pakistan approach politicians and there is nothing wrong in it.
Ambassador Bloom met with key political figures, including Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Mian Nawaz Sharif, Istehkam Pakistan Party leader Jahangir Tareen, and former prime minister and Pakistan People’s Party Senator Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. UK High Commissioner Marriott visited former president Asif Ali Zardari in Karachi.
What I have got the inside story of Mian Sahib’s meeting with Ambassador Bloom at Jati Umra in Raiwind, I learned that the ambassador informed Mian Nawaz Sharif about US priorities for Pakistan, discussing the country’s political and economic situation and preparations for the upcoming elections. Of course, both sides discussed the importance of the Pakistan-US partnership and the significance of bilateral relations. Nawaz Sharif stressed the importance of relations between Pakistan and America, expressing confidence that the people of Pakistan are ready to support the PML-N in addressing the challenges facing the country. Nawaz Sharif also raised concerns about ongoing Israeli brutality in Gaza, urging an immediate ceasefire.
Ambassador Bloom also met with politicians in South Punjab, including Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in Multan, where discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan-US relations. The meeting, attended by officials from various parties, discussed the political scenario of South Punjab. The American ambassador met with Jahangir Tareen at his residence where Ishaq Khakwani and Aown Chaudhary were also present. The discussions touched on various aspects of Pakistani politics.
Now, tell me where does the interference of foreign countries come from through such meetings?
Elections may be influenced by foreign actors, but diplomats routinely meet political leaders all over the world.
In recent meetings between Pakistani politicians and diplomats from the United States and the United Kingdom, discussions centered on Pakistan-US relations, economic reforms, and the upcoming general elections. The American ambassador is openly asking for transparent elections in Pakistan. Similarly, the British High Commissioner, during a meeting with Asif Ali Zardari in Karachi, discussed the development of Pakistan-UK relations. Asif Ali Zardari conveyed birthday wishes to King Charles and congratulated David Cameron on becoming the foreign minister, urging Britain to play a conciliatory role in Gaza.
Diplomatic meetings are generally a routine matter and serve to strengthen relations between countries, addressing various issues such as visa concerns and fostering trade and cultural ties. While these interactions align with the principles of the United Nations charter, so there should be no plot in the recent open meetings between US and UK diplomats and Pakistani politicians.
But we live a highly politiciased society, so it in natural to see “behind-the-scene story” in the manner in which these diplomats openly engaged with Pakistani politicians during the ongoing election process.
We make ourselves a joke when we try to smell something out of diplomats’ demand for transparent elections,
No, it is not interference in the internal affairs of a free and independent state.
The PTI has seized the opportunity to express its concerns, particularly regarding the meeting between the American ambassador and Mian Nawaz Sharif.
This impression can only be addressed if the foreign diplomats meet some leaders of the PTI. If the diplomats do not go the PTI, the fact remains that the PTI will see such meetings open involvement of US and UK diplomats in election-related activities.
In my view, the American ambassador’s discussion on the transparency of elections serves the demands of the PTI. While diplomatic engagement is essential for international relations, the manner in which these discussions have unfolded in the context of the elections in Pakistan has stirred controversy. It is crucial for diplomats to navigate such situations carefully, respecting the principles of non-interference in a country’s internal affairs, to ensure the preservation of its sovereignty and independence.
