Pakistan being positioned as an economic, transit hub: Masood Khan

WASHINGTON: Ambassador Masood Khan has said that Pakistan was being positioned as an economic and transit hub and a meeting point for positive global interests.

“We are committed to make Pakistan a beacon of peace and prosperity in the region”, said Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States.

He was addressing Flag Hoisting Ceremony on the occasion of 76th Independence Day of Pakistan which was attended by senior officials of US State Department, friends of Pakistan from US and a large number of Pakistani diaspora.

The Ambassador hoisted the national flag with the tune of national anthem.

Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador paid homage to the sacrifices of our forefathers for their vision and unparalleled sacrifices that ultimately resulted into creation of a miracle called Pakistan. “Pakistan had a remarkable journey over the last 75 years. Despite external and internal challenges, Pakistan has moved forward to become a resilient nation”, observed the Ambassador.

Elaborating future vision of the country, the Ambassador said that Pakistan’s unique geographic location, demographic dividend, democratic orientation, rich human and natural resources clearly put the country in a unique position to realize its vision.

The Ambassador, on the occasion, highlighted close friendly ties with the United States and a robust partnership between the two countries in various critical sectors including  trade, investment, regional connectivity, energy cooperation, people-to-people ties, education and cultural exchanges.

“We have been partners in making peace, building peace and keeping peace. We will continue to work with the U.S. for peace and prosperity in the region and beyond”, said the Ambassador.

The Ambassador said that the people of Pakistan have always had tremendous cultural affinity for the U.S. Our brightest young men and women aspire to study in U.S. colleges and universities through scholarship programs such as Fulbright. These Fulbright scholars have contributed tremendously to Pakistan’s socio-economic progress.

The Ambassador, on the occasion, also appreciated the role of dynamic and vibrant Pakistani American community in the US and their valuable contributions to the US politics, culture and economy. “They are a bridge between the two countries”, remarked Masood Khan.

Elizabeth Horst, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary from State Department, speaking on the occasion said that the founders of both the countries ‘envisioned an independent and democratic free society.’

She reiterated that United States has always viewed a strong, prosperous and democratic Pakistan as essential for the interests of both the countries.

“We have fostered decades of collaboration between Pakistan and the United States. Among the challenges our two countries are jointly addressing are boosting trade development, the ongoing COVID-19, climate crisis, improving educational access and excellence and regional peace and stability”, Ms. Horst said.

She especially highlighted robust partnership between the two countries in education sector. Highlighting visit of 800 students to US every year and a network of over 37000 Alumni, she said that “every student is an ambassador and a champion for the advancement of our relations.”

Ms. Elizabeth Horst also noted increasing trade and investment relationship between the two countries and said that US Pakistan trade increased last year by $200 million in agriculture and energy sector. “There’s many opportunities right now particularly in the digital economy’, she continued.

“We welcome Ambassador Khan to the State Department next month to inaugurate a new exhibition from the American Pakistan Foundation and National Museum of American diplomacy celebrating our deepening educational linkage”, Ms. Horst said.

Youth representatives and high achievers also spoke on the occasion.

Ms. Sania Alam, recipient of US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award and a coach for Speed Learning and Mind-mapping, and Dr. Qaisra Saeed, who scaled K-2 besides her other notable achievements, also addressed the gathering. Young interns who have had the opportunity to work at Pak Embassy in Washington also shared their thoughts.

The children also presented national song which was greatly applauded by the gathering.

The Ambassador along with US guests also cut the cake to mark 75th anniversary of Independence of Pakistan.