Washington DC, Almost 84 years ago on March 23, 1940, the founding fathers of Pakistan adopted a resolution in the historic city of Lahore. Those were dark days for the world as it was ravaged by World War II and the colonial grip on the Indian subcontinent was absolute,” said Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States.
“It was at that time that our forefathers saw the dream of our independence, which became a reality in August 1947,” he said.
“Today we pay tribute to our founding father – Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah – for his strong convictions and visionary leadership that led to the creation of Pakistan,” said Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States.
“Today, as a nation, we are the guardians of this dream. We continue to work on political cohesion and economic development,” the ambassador said.
Ambassador Masood Khan made these remarks during a reception held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington to celebrate Pakistan’s National Day. The more than 450 attendees included ambassadors, diplomats, high-ranking officials from the State Department, World Bank, IMF, Congress, the think tank community, American and ethnic media representatives, and members of the Pak-American community, among others.
Addressing the gathering, USAID Deputy Administrator of the Bureau for Asia Michael Schiffer thanked the ambassador for the invitation and for providing the opportunity to celebrate Pakistan’s “rich heritage and vibrant culture.”
“For more than 75 years, the United States and Pakistan have worked hand in hand on issues that are deeply important to both our countries and both our peoples,” he said.
He talked about sustainable economic growth, better access to energy, gender equality, strengthening peace and inclusion, education, and health as common goals.
He recalled US aid to flood-affected people in Pakistan during the catastrophic floods of 2022 and said that as recovery continues, “our aid in these areas is growing.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Masood Khan also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for working day in and day out to give new vigor and strength to Pak-US ties.
“Relations between Pakistan and the United States have an illustrious past, and they have a bright future. As I speak, both sides are working hard to recalibrate our ties structured around trade, investment, green energy, health care, education, and science and technology. Together, we would continue to work for regional and global security and counter transnational threats, especially terrorism,” the ambassador said.
For his part, Schiffer said the US government supports Pakistan’s long-term development aspirations. He identified investment in hydropower, expanding Pakistanis’ access to technology, access to safe and high-quality education for the youth, and reducing barriers to trade and commerce between our two countries as major areas of cooperation.
“Increasing Pakistan’s economic growth is at the core of our work,” he noted.
Michael Schiffer also said that the Green Alliance Framework is helping Pakistan face the climate, energy, and economic challenges of today and the challenges of the future.
He also highlighted the approval of the Global Climate Fund to increase Pakistan’s climate resilience and improve water security.
“With a modest investment, USAID will unlock $66 million of the fund to the $5 million donated by the Coca-Cola Foundation and $1.8 million in the World Wildlife Fund, all to improve water systems and expand green infrastructure in Pakistan,” he said.
Mr. Schiffer pointed out that between October 2022 and September 2023, USAID successfully partnered with the Pakistani American diaspora to mobilize $197 million for flood relief, as well as investments in artificial intelligence and equity financing and electric vehicles in healthcare, tourism, and other shared priorities to help unleash Pakistan’s prosperity.
“After 75 years, our shared enthusiasm and our shared ambitions for US-Pakistani cooperation remain as high as they have ever been,” he said.
“As we look to the future, I call on all of us here today to reaffirm our commitment to a future where Pakistan is ever more resilient, prosperous, and ever more inclusive,” he said.
In his remarks, Ambassador Masood Khan reiterated the commitment to continue investment in IT, energy, agriculture, and mining, which are priority areas for foreign investment.
He also reaffirmed the empowerment of women as an ongoing imperative that is a key driver of national success.
“With the help of our international friends, we will fight climate change, which threatens all of humanity, not just Pakistan,” he said.
“We are committed to a peaceful neighborhood where all countries live as a family. This is also our dream. In South Asia, let us put our disputes on the peace table and resolve them diplomatically and democratically,” said Masood Khan.
“Let the people of Jammu and Kashmir exercise their right to self-determination through the ballot box by UN resolutions. Our influence in this region will grow,” he added.
Masood Khan also congratulated two Pakistani Americans who received Pakistan National Awards on the occasion – Mr. Nasruddin Rupani and Mr. Hafeez Khan.
