Daily Times

As the country faces a worsening economic crisis, the US has urged Pakistan to adopt the required changes agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The talks have been going on since late January, and the reforms are vital to getting Pakistan back on track financially, avoiding increasing debt, and growing the economy.

The State Department officer in charge of Pakistan, Elizabeth Horst, indicated that the reforms were difficult but vital for Pakistan’s economic well-being. She pledged US policy, business, and transparency support for the crisis-ridden country.

Horst stressed that Pakistan-US relations were mutually beneficial and essential for both countries’ interests. The US has close cooperation with Pakistan in several areas, including trade and investment, climate change, security, and regional stability.

The two countries initiated the Pakistan-US Green Alliance to deepen their collaboration further. Horst stated that a strong, prosperous, and democratic Pakistan was crucial for the interests of both countries and their people.

Horst stated that the United States and Pakistan are collaborating on regional security, counter-terrorism, and counter-narcotics. While security relations have improved in the last year, the United States remains concerned about the growing number of terrorist strikes in Pakistan, particularly by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Horst emphasised that it was in both countries’ best interests to keep Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists.

The United States is collaborating with Pakistan to pressure the Taliban to keep their pledges and develop a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.