U.S. Appreciates Pakistan’s Role in Assisting Afghan Resettlement

US Under Secretary John Bass Meets Pakistani Leaders, Discusses Bilateral Ties and Regional Cooperation

Islamabad-(Mudassar Iqbal)_US Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass visited Islamabad, meeting with top Pakistani officials to strengthen bilateral relations and address regional concerns.

Bass met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch. The discussions centered around expanding bilateral cooperation on economic and security issues, countering terrorism and violent extremism, and fostering regional stability and prosperity.

The US appreciates Pakistan’s continued cooperation in assisting Afghans in resettlement pathways and congratulates Pakistan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term.

Pakistan recently extended the stay of registered Afghan refugees by a year, allowing them to remain in the country until June 30, 2025. The US has committed to working with Pakistan to assist Afghan refugees and Pakistani host communities.

The meetings underscore the US’s interest in strengthening ties with Pakistan and addressing shared regional concerns. Bilateral cooperation on trade, energy, security, health, climate change, and counter-terrorism was also discussed.

US Ambassador Donald Blome praised Pakistan’s decision to extend Afghan refugees’ stay, acknowledging the country’s long history of hosting refugees. Pakistan hosts approximately 1.7 million undocumented Afghan immigrants and has launched deportation drives in the past.