United States President Joe Biden initiated the first official communication with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by sending a letter on March 30, 2024. In his presidency, which began in January 2021, Biden had not previously reached out directly to Pakistan’s leadership, notably not calling former Prime Minister Imran Khan post-election victory or communicating with Sharif upon his April 2022 assumption of office. The letter from Biden to Sharif reaffirms the United States’ unwavering support for Pakistan and underscores the importance of the bilateral relationship in ensuring peace and security both regionally and globally.
Prime Minister Sharif, who recently began his second term following a contested election which Imran Khan labeled as ‘rigged’, received reassurance from Biden on various fronts. The letter outlined the intention to bolster the two nations’ partnership through the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance framework, focusing on enhancing climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, water management, and post-flood recovery efforts. Moreover, Biden stated the United States’ commitment to working with Pakistan to uphold human rights and foster progress, indicating a collective desire to forge a durable partnership and close ties between the populations of both countries.
In the wake of concerns from U.S. officials regarding the integrity of Pakistan’s general elections held on February 8, and the subsequent claims of rigging by the military made by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, the letter marks a critical step towards mending and resetting diplomatic relations. Biden’s communication is seen as a positive move amidst a challenging political landscape involving accusations from former Prime Minister Imran Khan against the U.S. and concerns about election irregularities raised at a congressional hearing, as well as the White House expressing concerns about voter intimidation and suppression in the recent elections.
As Pakistan navigates the aftermath of its elections and establishes its new government, the dialogue between Biden and Sharif points towards a collaborative future, wherein shared visions for health, security, economic growth, and educational access may be realized through collective efforts and a supportive international framework led by the United States.