Pakistan will not attend US Democracy Summit.

ISLAMABAD: After extensive internal debate, Pakistan decided on Tuesday to boycott the second ‘Summit for Democracy’ hosted by US President Joe Biden this week.

Pakistan was also invited to President Biden’s three-day summit in 2021, but did not attend due to concerns about China. This year, the United States has invited over 100 countries, including Taiwan, but has yet to invite China.

The Foreign Office issued a statement just hours before the summit began, citing reasons for not attending.

“We are grateful to the United States and the co-host countries for inviting Pakistan to the Second Summit for Democracy, which will be held on March 29-30,” said a statement.

“Pakistan, as a vibrant democracy, is deeply committed to democratic values, and generations of Pakistanis have upheld their faith in democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms time and again. This month marks the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Constitution, which serves as the foundation of Pakistan’s democratic polity “the statement went on to say.

“We are grateful for our friendship with the United States. This relationship has grown significantly during the Biden administration. We remain committed to strengthening this relationship for the sake of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.”

According to the statement, Pakistan was not a part of the summit process, which began in 2021 and required countries to make certain national commitments.

“Because the Summit process is now advanced, Pakistan will engage bilaterally with the United States and Summit co-hosts to promote and strengthen democratic principles and values, as well as work to advance human rights and the fight against corruption,” it said.

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The fact that the US had not invited China or Turkey, while Taiwan would be present, complicated Pakistan’s decision.

Pakistan has close ties with both China and Turkey, and any decision would take both countries’ concerns into account, particularly Beijing’s.

Because China was not invited to the first US democracy summit in December 2021, Islamabad opted out. Pakistan also declined to attend the summit because President Biden did not speak with then-Prime Minister Imran Khan. Furthermore, Imran was only asked to send a recorded video statement for the summit, forcing the government to stay away.

Beijing applauded Islamabad’s decision, reinforcing the perception that Pakistan made the decision at China’s request.

Since the change of government in April of last year, there has been a visible push by both Pakistan and the United States to reestablish relations. Similarly, Pakistan is desperate for an IMF bailout, and the US’s role could be critical.

At the same time, Pakistan cannot antagonise China, whose support is critical for the country if an IMF deal is not reached.

“To be honest, we need to remain neutral. We must stay out of the big powers’ power game “According to a source, Pakistan is skipping the summit for the second time.