Pakistan to skip US democracy summit

After intense in-house deliberations, Pakistan has decided to skip the second 'Summit for Democracy' being hosted by United States President Joe Biden this week.

Pakistan had been invited to the three-day summit initiated by President Biden in 2021 as well but did not attend due to concerns related to China. This year, the US has invited over 100 countries, including Taiwan but once again excluded China, according to the Tribune.

Just hours before the summit was to kick off, the Foreign Office issued a statement citing reasons for not attending the summit.

“We are thankful to the United States and the co-host countries for inviting Pakistan to attend the Second Summit for Democracy being held on 29-30 March," read a statement.

"As a vibrant democracy, the people of Pakistan are deeply committed to democratic values and generations of Pakistanis time after time have upheld their faith in democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms. This month, the nation is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Constitution that is the fountain of democratic polity in Pakistan," the statement further read.

"We value our friendship with the United States. Under this Biden Administration, this relationship has widened and expanded substantially. We remain committed to further solidifying this relationship for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region."

The statement said that Pakistan had not been part of the summit process that commenced in 2021 and required countries to make certain national commitments.