Pakistan agreed on Tuesday not to attend the US’s Second Summit for Democracy, which would take place on March 29–30, 2023.
President Joe Biden of the United States invited more than 100 nations, including Pakistan, to the summit. Islamabad had graciously declined to participate in the debate in 2021 without giving a reason.
The summit was seen as a significant chance for Pakistan, which is strapped for cash, to gain the US’s backing and restart the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program, which has been stalled since last year. As a fundamental condition for delivering the bailout package, the international lender has pressured the federal government to quickly obtain guarantees from friendly states for external finance.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Office, said in a statement: “We are grateful to the United States and the co-host countries for inviting Pakistan to join the On March 29–30, 2023, there will be the Second Summit for Democracy.
The Summit process, which started in 2021 and called for nations to make specific national commitments, has not included Pakistan.
According to the FO statement, Pakistan would engage bilaterally with the United States and the Summit co-hosts to promote and reinforce democratic principles and values and cooperate towards furthering human rights and the fight against corruption because “the Summit process is now at an advanced level.”
According to the spokesman, Pakistan is a dynamic democracy whose citizens are profoundly dedicated to democratic principles. Generations of Pakistanis have repeatedly upheld their belief in democracy, human rights, and basic freedoms.
“We treasure our ties with America. This relationship has significantly broadened and expanded throughout the Biden administration. It stated that we are still dedicated to further fostering this connection for the sake of regional peace, security, and development.