The Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC) has publicly declared its support for former President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 presidential race.
The endorsement, announced on Thursday, comes with the belief that Trump is the candidate best suited to enhance US-Pakistan relations and address the democratic regression in Pakistan.
According to The Post Millennial, the PAKPAC National Board expressed its pride in endorsing Trump, stating, While we certainly do not agree with the former President on every issue, after extensive meetings with his campaign and with the Harris campaign, we believe the former President is the candidate who will improve US-Pakistan relations, secure the release of all wrongfully imprisoned political prisoners in Pakistan, and work towards reversal of Pakistans dangerous democratic backsliding."
The board emphasized Trump's previous efforts to foster dialogue between the US and Pakistan during his tenure. They noted, "During his presidency, Donald Trump met with the then democratically elected Prime Minister of Pakistan during his visit to the United States. Also during his presidency, Trump administration officials traveled to Pakistan, engaging in direct talks with Pakistani ministers efforts we have not seen under the Biden/Harris administration."
The board criticized the current administration, accusing it of lacking commitment to bilateral relations. They expressed concern over the Pakistani government being "pushed into a legislative coup against the popular and democratically elected Prime Minister of Pakistan," and the Biden-Harris administration's inaction to secure the release of the former Prime Minister and other political prisoners.
The board further expressed its disappointment with the Biden/Harris administration's lack of response to election concerns, despite acknowledgments of irregularities by international observers and state department officials.
The PAKPAC board concluded by expressing their fears that these policies would continue under a potential Harris presidency, further straining US-Pakistan relations. They expressed their belief that Trumps leadership "will promote stronger diplomatic and economic ties, and ensure that Pakistani-American interests are represented at the highest levels of government."
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