US-Pakistan relations to remain extremely significant: Zachary Harkenrider

Lahore: United States Consul General Lahore Zachary Harkenrider has said that whoever is the next President – (Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton) – the US-Pakistan relations would remain extremely significant.

“If you read the history of US-Pak relations since 1947, there are moments of discord that punctuate much longer and much more significant periods of convergence, agreement and mutual interests,” the Consul General said while addressing an ‘invited talk’ on the U.S. Electoral System at the Government College University Lahore.

Vice Chancellor Prof Hassan Amir Shah and Political Science Department Chairperson Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt also attended the talk which was organised by the University’s Quaid-e-Azam Political Science Society.

The Counsel General said “any government in Pakistan, whether of left or right, democratic or undemocratic, understand and value its relationship with the United States. The situation is similar in the United States.”

Responding to a question about US relations with the Islamic world, Zachary Harkenrider said the American society is highly receptive and tolerant of religious diversity, adding that “there are millions and millions of Americans who are Muslims, and they are as important citizens of USA as I am.”

The Consul General briefed the students about the complete electoral process for the President of United States from his party nominations through primaries and caucuses, general voting and election through the Electoral College. He also told them about the different voting trends and nomination processes in the different States. The students were also apprised of the history of US elections and voting trends since 1789.

The Consul General discussed with students the reasons why no significant third political party has emerged in United States. He also believed that democracy and political institutions are strengthening in Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Hassan Amir Shah said that there was a great interest among the university students about the American Presidential elections and they follow it on media. However, he said that this lecture by Consul General would give them a deeper understanding about the complete electoral process and latest trends.

Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt said that every new US president had ‘icing hours’ with the administration which helped them understanding the value and importance of relationship with the different countries of the world.

Later, the Counsel General visited the university library and Iqbal Hostel where Poet of the East Allama Muhammad Iqbal had spent student days of his life. He appreciated the peaceful environment of the university. He also pledged to provide support to the University in its different academic and research ventures.