Donald Blome’s Farewell Piece: Express Tribune
Reality Check
This is a censored thread from X which we are duplicating here for uncensored public consumption.
Blome write’s: In the last two and a half years, we've broadened and deepened that partnership and made important progress in areas that matter most to Pakistanis: jobs, affordable energy, clean water, health, and education.
Pakistanis striving to provide for their families amid economic hardships, I find U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome’s article, “Redefining US-Pakistan Relations,” to be disconnected from daily struggles of the common citizen.
Energy and Infrastructure Ambassador Blome mentions U.S. investments in dams and energy projects, suggesting they offer affordable electricity to millions. However, despite these investments, many families still face challenges in affording basic utilities. While inflation has decreased to 4.1% as of December 2024, the cost of living remains high, and access to reliable electricity is inconsistent.
Economic Growth and Employment The Ambassador highlights that U.S. companies provided jobs to more than 120,000 Pakistanis in 2024. Yet, with a population exceeding 240 million, this figure represents a minuscule fraction of those seeking employment. Despite projections of economic growth exceeding 3% in the current fiscal year,  the benefits have not reached the average citizen, and unemployment remains a pressing issue.
Education and Healthcare While the U.S. has invested in education and healthcare, many schools lack basic facilities, and quality healthcare is inaccessible to a significant portion of the population. The disparity between these investments and the actual conditions suggests that the aid has not effectively addressed the needs of ordinary Pakistanis.
Flood Recovery Efforts The Ambassador references over $216 million in U.S. assistance following the 2022 floods. However, as of November 2024, millions remain in temporary shelters, indicating that the aid has not sufficiently alleviated the suffering of flood victims.
Conclusion While diplomatic narratives emphasize a flourishing U.S.-Pakistan partnership, the reality for many Pakistanis is different. The purported benefits of this relationship have yet to materialize for those struggling to meet basic needs. Until policies are crafted with genuine consideration for the impoverished majority, such diplomatic rhetoric will remain detached from the lived experiences of Pakistan’s most vulnerable citizens. With no mention of rigged elections, human rights violations, collapse of rule of law, and no democracy, all the while pushing Biden’s destructive policies, Blome’s influence has turned Pakistan into an utter disaster. We sincerely hope that Mr. Blome stays away from Pakistan.