News Desk |
Prime Minister Imran Khan is due to meet the US President Donald Trump at the White House today. Upon his arrival in Washington, the Premier was received by senior officials from the US Department of State. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood, and the Pakistani Ambassador to the US, Dr. Asad Majeed Khan.
At the White House, Prime Minister Khan and US President Donald Trump will discuss the issues of defense cooperation, counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and the common goal of ushering in peace and stability across South Asia. Analysts believe that President Trump is largely focused on Pakistan’s role in facilitating the Afghan reconciliation process.
The Trump administration has noted that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit will usher in an era of stability in the US-Pakistan partnership, alongside promoting strengthened relations. Representatives from White House noted that the ongoing visit is focused towards enhancing bilateral cooperation, to usher in peace, stability and economic growth, and eliminate conflict from the South Asian region.
Mammoth Crowd Cheers Imran
Upon reaching the residence of the Pakistani Ambassador Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, the premier was received with a fitting welcome. He later addressed a mammoth of a crowd, dazzled and enthusiastic Pakistani-Americans at the Capital One Arena in Washington.
(1/8) Prime Minister Of Pakistan Imran Khan Speech at Capital One Arena Washington D.C. USA (21.07.19)@ImranKhanPTI#PMIKJalsaInUSA pic.twitter.com/Os1n5ekdTH
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 22, 2019
(2/8) Prime Minister Of Pakistan Imran Khan Speech at Capital One Arena Washington D.C. USA (21.07.19)@ImranKhanPTI#PMIKJalsaInUSA pic.twitter.com/8JuqzbWMgW
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 22, 2019
The Pakistani-American community welcomed the Prime Minister with a glorious welcome, the premier shared with them his agendas for a Naya Pakistan, and to undertake a transparent and undisturbed accountability process against corrupt leaders.
(3/8) Prime Minister Of Pakistan Imran Khan Speech at Capital One Arena Washington D.C. USA (21.07.19)@ImranKhanPTI#PMIKJalsaInUSA pic.twitter.com/aGRKRHbOUe
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 22, 2019
Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that he would not give NRO to plunderers and showed firm resolve to carry forward the process of accountability without being subdued to any pressure or blackmailing. pic.twitter.com/WGTswrzCPk
— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) July 22, 2019
The premier has multiple engagements today, and after his meeting with US President Donald Trump, he is scheduled to attend a meeting with the World Bank President David Malpass and the IMF’s interim Managing Director, alongside addressing the Pakistani-American business community.
Talking to "All Star Group" comprising leading IT professionals in Washington DC, Prime Minister Imran Khan said development of IT is amongst highest priorities of the government as this sector entails huge job opportunities for the youth. pic.twitter.com/Ql0Qh6Q5gF
— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) July 22, 2019
The premier also addressed the Pakistan Business Summit, apprising the investors of the unique investment opportunities that Pakistan can provide to the business community.
(1/2) Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan Speech at Pakistan Business Summit in Washington D.C. USA (21.07.19)@ImranKhanPTI#PMIKVisitingUS pic.twitter.com/1rE0FsPLBS
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 22, 2019
(2/2) Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan Speech at Pakistan Business Summit in Washington D.C. USA (21.07.19)@ImranKhanPTI#PMIKVisitingUS pic.twitter.com/8ufTE723bq
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 22, 2019
Military-Level Engagements
Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had announced that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa will also accompany the Prime Minister, as part of his delegation, to the meeting with President Trump at the White House. This was later confirmed by Director General ISPR Major Gen Asif Ghafoor on Saturday, while addressing the press at the Pakistani Embassy, in Washington.
DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor says Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa will visit Pentagon to have interaction with US military leadership. pic.twitter.com/NFuhR7H689
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 21, 2019
DG ISPR added that the COAS will also engage with the top US military leadership in meetings held at the Pentagon. He noted the internal security situation across Pakistan has improved considerably, which is accredited to the sacrifices of the people and the armed forces.
Army Chief will visit Pentagon to interact with Acting Secretary Defense Mr. Richard Spencer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford and Chief of Staff of US Army Gen Mark A Milley: DG ISPR pic.twitter.com/UlzmZr1vaI
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 22, 2019
The border fencing endeavor undertaken by the Pakistan Army alongside the Pak-Afghan border had also aided in improving the security situation and reducing terrorist attacks and infiltration.
Major General Asif Ghafoor added that the armed forces are now focused towards ushering peace and development in Balochistan, and aiding the civil leadership in reconstructed areas affected by terrorism.
This Man is a Superstar
Analysts, both local and international, note that the policymakers in Washington are now well aware of the influence and popularity yielded by Imran Khan. The massive turnout at his community address at Washington’s Capital One Arena has given the US visit a dynamic fervor, cementing the popularity of the PTI-leadership.
Read more: PM Khan goes to Washington
Sharing his observations Adam Garrie, American Newsman and Commentator, tweeted, “Most of the people in the stadium watching Imran were Pakistani-Americans. But I am sure there were some Americans with no connection to Pakistan in the audience watching and thinking: “this man is a superstar”. He is. Now it’s time for superstar policies”
https://twitter.com/adamgarriereal/status/1153091600626671616
Garrie continued, “At a time when politics is sadly getting more and more violent in many countries, it is important to note that Imran Khan’s rally in America was completely peaceful, positive and patriotic. I suppose that’s because certain jailbirds were not in the same hemisphere.”
https://twitter.com/adamgarriereal/status/1153092577064902656
The American political commentator added, “Imran Khan now holds the record for addressing the largest crowd in the USA of any Pakistani leader. Now it’s time to say good riddance to bad rubbish at home and consolidate power for the benefit of the people.”
https://twitter.com/adamgarriereal/status/1153075578234462215
Jan Achakzai, notable political analyst and Chairman of the Centre for Geo-Politics and Balochistan, also observed that Imran Khan received a reception worthy of a leader who addresses the hopes and aspirations of his people.
Achakzai tweeted from his official handle, “Unprecedented crowd in Washington to listen to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s speech, which reflects hopes of overseas Pakistanis. They love Pakistan & want a leader who can deliver on their aspirations to turn their country of origin into a strong nation.”
The Baloch analyst noted, “Clock is ticking 4 the Prime Minister.”
Unprecedented crowd in #Washington 2 listen 2 PM #ImranKhan’s speech, reflects hope of overseas Pakistanis w/ PM.
They love Pakistan & want a leader who can deliver on their aspirations 2 turn their country of origin into a strong nation.
Clock is ticking 4 PM.
— Jan Achakzai / جان اچکزئی (@Jan_Achakzai) July 22, 2019
Achakzai continued, “A mammoth rally in Washington was a reflection of PM Imran Khan’s popularity among overseas Pakistanis. He is still a star, a crowd puller, an inspiration & a hope for them. The incumbency has not waned his charisma among them.”
PM @ImranKhanPTI still rocks:
A mammoth rally in #Washington was a reflection of PM Imran Khan’s popularity among overseas Pakistanis.
He is still a star, a crowd puller, an inspiration & a hope for them.
The incumbency has not waned his charisma among them. https://t.co/pKkFfQAfzj
— Jan Achakzai / جان اچکزئی (@Jan_Achakzai) July 22, 2019