UK-Pak Old Friends, Trump’s Win Won’t Affect Ties with China: Pak

Pakistan’s Foreign Office highlights longstanding UK-Pakistan relations, emphasizes unwavering ties with China amid US leadership changes.

Pakistan’s relationship with the United States has been described as a bond that has matured over decades, one marked by consistent collaboration in various fields, such as security, economic partnerships, and regional stability.

According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistan and the US have maintained a robust partnership that is expected to persist regardless of changes in US leadership. As Donald Trump takes office as the 47th President of the United States, Pakistan reassured its commitment to fostering and expanding this historical partnership.

Longstanding Partnership with the US

Foreign Office Spokesperson Baloch emphasized that Pakistan’s leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, congratulated President-elect Trump.

Their gesture of goodwill reflects Islamabad’s desire to maintain diplomatic and bilateral relations based on “mutual respect, mutual confidence, and non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs.” These principles, she indicated, are foundational to Pakistan’s approach in all diplomatic matters and are especially relevant in sustaining Pakistan-US relations.

The enduring friendship between the two nations is also indicative of Pakistan’s pursuit of diversified foreign relations, underscoring its diplomatic flexibility.

Over the years, Pakistan and the US have cooperated on counterterrorism, regional security, economic assistance, and educational exchanges.

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These areas, according to Pakistani officials, will continue to be focal points for future collaboration, regardless of who holds the US presidency.

Unwavering Strategic Alliance with China

While Pakistan reaffirms its ties with the US, it also emphasizes the resilience and depth of its relationship with China. Known as an “all-weather strategic partner,” China has long been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

The spokesperson made it clear that Pakistan’s alliance with China is not subject to the influence of developments in other countries, including changes in American leadership. Pakistan-China relations have been strong, steady, and mutually beneficial over the years, supporting both nations’ economic, military, and regional interests.

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The spokesperson emphasized the importance of this partnership, calling it a “source of stability” in Pakistan’s foreign policy and reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to providing comprehensive security for Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions within its borders.

This assurance follows several high-profile Chinese infrastructure projects in Pakistan, most notably those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a vital part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

CPEC is seen by both nations as not just an economic project, but a means to bolster regional stability, connectivity, and growth. Pakistan’s stance reflects a careful balancing act, signaling its ability to maintain strong, independent relations with both the US and China, two superpowers with complex dynamics in the global arena.

With assurances from Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has conveyed that Trump’s presidency will not shift Pakistan’s strategic focus or the course of its long-standing, ironclad partnership with Beijing.

Pakistan’s Position on the Kashmir Issue

Amidst Pakistan’s focus on its relations with major global powers, it continues to stand firmly on its position regarding the Kashmir issue, describing it as a long-standing, internationally recognized dispute.

Spokesperson Baloch reiterated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir must have the right to self-determination, as outlined in UN Security Council resolutions. Pakistan has consistently maintained that India’s stance in Kashmir cannot suppress the “genuine aspirations” of the Kashmiri people.

India, however, holds that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country, firmly rejecting Pakistan’s claims on the issue. At the UN forum, India labeled Pakistan’s actions as divisive, claiming that Pakistan uses international platforms to spread “disinformation” about the situation in Kashmir.

Baloch’s statements also come amid reports concerning the health of jailed Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, who has been on a hunger strike. Pakistani officials urged the Indian authorities to offer proper medical care to Malik, while also reiterating calls for his immediate release.

Despite the ongoing diplomatic tensions, Pakistan is committed to facilitating religious pilgrimages for Sikh visitors from India, underscoring that such cultural exchanges can be beneficial in the region.

As preparations are underway for Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary, Pakistan continues to honor the bilateral protocol established in 1974, which enables religious pilgrims from both nations to visit significant religious sites. Although tensions remain on the political front, Pakistan’s commitment to upholding religious exchanges demonstrates a spirit of mutual respect and cultural preservation.

UK-Pak: A Relationship Shaped by Historical Ties

Although Pakistan and the US are often highlighted as close allies, Pakistan’s historical relationship with the UK also plays an influential role in shaping its foreign policy.

With deep-rooted colonial ties and a shared history, Pakistan and the UK continue to maintain strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. The UK is home to a significant Pakistani diaspora, and both countries benefit from substantial bilateral trade and investment.

The UK and Pakistan’s collaboration extends across multiple sectors, including education, development aid, and healthcare. Educational exchanges between the two nations have helped countless Pakistani students gain access to world-class institutions in the UK.

At the same time, the British government has continued to support development initiatives in Pakistan, with a particular focus on health, education, and poverty alleviation. This support reflects the UK’s longstanding commitment to Pakistan’s socioeconomic development and stability.

In recent years, both governments have also collaborated on security and counterterrorism efforts, addressing common concerns about extremism. With a shared commitment to fostering stability in the region, Pakistan and the UK have worked together on initiatives that enhance law enforcement capabilities and counter radicalization.

The UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s security efforts demonstrates the resilience of their relationship, built on mutual interests and historical bonds.

The UK also plays a key role in Pakistan’s relations with the Commonwealth, offering a platform for cooperation and dialogue on global issues. Through the Commonwealth framework, Pakistan engages with a network of nations to address challenges such as climate change, economic development, and human rights.

With the support of the UK, Pakistan continues to advocate for the rights of Kashmiris, and its commitment to the Commonwealth reinforces its dedication to international diplomacy and justice.

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