US all set to rebuild ties: ambassador.

ISLAMABAD -- The new United States ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, on Monday signalled WashingAton's intention to move on from the regime change controversy by engaging in a robust two-way communication with the country's government, political parties and civil society.

Ambassador Blome, who arrived in Pakistan late last month, has taken over the charge of the US mission at a time of unique challenges and opportunities.

Though anti-American sentiments run deep in Pakistani society, the feelings got inflamed after former prime minister Imran Khan alleged that he was ousted through a US conspiracy for regime change and ran a mass campaign calling for 'freedom' from 'slaves of foreign powers'. This heightened anti-American sentiment has, therefore, become the foremost challenge for Washington in executing its foreign policy goals in Pakistan.

But then, newer opportunities have also emerged. Ambassador Blome - the first full-time American envoy in Islamabad after a gap of almost four years - assumed the charge of his assignment when Afghanistan is apparently no more a dominant issue in the bilateral ties following last year's withdrawal of US forces from there at the end of 20-year-long war - the longest in American history.

Counterterrorism cooperation to remain 'defining feature' of ties

Ambassador Blome, in an interview with Dawn, reiterated the rejection of Mr Khan's `regime change' allegation and said Washington was 'very clear' about that.

'However, I think the best thing we can do going forward is to keep engaging across all levels of Pakistani society, as we have for the past 75 years!' he said, adding the engagement wouldn't be limited just with the government, but will extend to political leaders, the business community, civil society, and the youth.

In this two-way communication, he said, he will 'listen to and understand' what's happening here and 'convey that understanding' to Washington and at the same time share US 'views and positions as clearly and as transparently as possible' with audiences here.

Beyond polarisation in the domestic politics on US ties, the new government in Islamabad has always been open to revitalising bilateral relations. The first opportunity that came in its way in the shape of Secretary of State Antony Blinken's invitation for Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for attending a food security conference at the United Nations was clinched.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari and Mr Blinken also met on the...