US State Department spokesman Ned Price says that ultimately Pakistan will have to make its own decisions to open up funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Price was responding to a question during a press briefing that the US had been accused of not using its “friendly influence” with the IMF to help Pakistan amid tensions between the US and China.
“We encourage Pakistan to continue working with the IMF, particularly on reforms that will improve Pakistan’s business environment.” The US believes doing so will make Pakistani business “more competitive” and help Pakistan attract high-quality investment, he continued.
“But more than the potential investment dollars are the technologies, market linkages and management systems that accompany foreign investment,” he said, adding that these partners would increase the competitiveness of Pakistani firms. improve, fuel economic growth that increases employment and household income.
“We believe that by following this path and continuing to make the necessary decisions – economic decisions – that Pakistan, with the support of the international community, certainly with the support of the United States, can be on the path of sustainable development,” he said.
Is US worried ‘strategically important’ Pakistan could fail?
Considering the major economic problems and political and security challenges facing Pakistan at the moment, Price was asked if the US was concerned that the “strategically important” country could fail.
“We are Pakistan’s partners. We have been there since Pakistan’s independence. We want a stable, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan. We know that the people of Pakistan are facing tremendous difficulties, including economic difficulties. We are looking for ways. in which we can help the Pakistani people rebuild and deepen the economic partnership that has existed with the United States for decades now,” Price responded.
He said that Pakistan is also working with international financial institutions like IMF to put itself on the path of sustainable development.
“But when it comes to economic challenges, when it comes to security challenges, when it comes to political challenges, America is ready and able to be a partner with the people of Pakistan and with our Pakistani counterparts.” They said.
On Aurat March
Asked if he was aware of reports of violence and police involvement in Pakistan during the Women’s March, Price replied that the US was “aware of reports of clashes” ahead of a “planned rally” in Lahore. ” Is. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan”
Price was asked if the US would raise the issue with allies in Pakistan and the Pakistani government.
Price responded, “We encourage everyone to exercise patience. We offer our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish those who were injured a speedy recovery.” Price replied.
On whether he would talk to the government about upholding democratic values, Price commented: “It’s a constant topic of conversation with our counterparts around the world, including Pakistan, about the universal rights of citizens around the world. Importance of upholding, including the right to peaceful assembly”.
