LAHORE - US Ambassador in Pakistan Richard Olson on Tuesday said his country was not supporting any particular party in Pakistan rather it was a supporter of the Pakistani nation.
“The US is a staunch supporter of democracy and is looking forward to timely and transparent elections that will result in the first civilian democratic transition in Pakistan’s history,” he remarked while talking to Punjab Governor Makhdum Ahmad Mehmud at the Governor House.
He said America wanted democracy to continue in Pakistan irrespective of which political party came to power as a result of the upcoming elections. “We not only want to see democracy flourish in Pakistan but also we would like for it to flourish worldwide,” he observed.
Ambassador Olson reiterated that US-Pakistan relationship was critically important and that’s why the United States was committed to working with Pakistan to build a relationship based on mutual respect and mutual interests.
The governor said that Pak–US relationship was based upon mutual respect, cooperation and a spirit of goodwill. “Pakistan is the frontrunner ally of United States of America in the war against terrorism as well as restoring peace in this region. This country has made valiant sacrifices for this cause and is continuing to do so,” Makhdum told the US envoy.
The governor said present government was a firm believer in democracy and the empowerment of its people. “Our government’s first priority is to hold free and fair elections in the stipulated time,” he said. Mahmud emphasised that the government was determined to obliterate mismanagement and corruption from different state institutions.
The US ambassador also met with political, business and cultural leaders during a visit to Lahore to broaden and deepen the US-Pakistan relationship in ways that benefit the people of both nations.
During his trip, Ambassador Olson inaugurated the Lahore chapter of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), which will represent the interests of American businesses in the Punjab.
Addressing leaders of the American Business Forum, he emphasised that the US commitment to build an economic partnership with Pakistan based on trade, not just aid. “American businesses are at the forefront of our economic and commercial relationship with Pakistan. Your work with the advisory council will improve the business environment and attract potential new investors by helping them understand how to manage security risks in the region.”
He said the American Business Forum and the US government were working together to help Pakistani businesses create jobs by expanding Pak-US trade and business-to-business relationships.
Ambassador Olson attended the Wagha border ceremony, where he expressed support for the positive steps India and Pakistan can take to strengthen their dialogue and cooperation. He added “Increased economic linkages between India and Pakistan will create the foundation for a stronger bilateral relationship and yield dividends for citizens from both nations.”
Acknowledging Lahore’s rich cultural heritage, Ambassador Olson visited Allama Iqbal’s tomb, the Badshahi Mosque and the Alamgiri Gate at Lahore Fort that was restored with support from the US government-funded Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. He also paid his respects at Data Darbar, one of the oldest Muslim shrines in the sub-continent, which houses the remains of the Sufi saint Syed Ali Hajveri, popularly known as Data Ganj Baksh.