Washington, 14 August 2022: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States 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 making 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 the 75th Independence Day of Pakistan which was attended by senior officials of US State Department, friends of Pakistan from the US, and a large number of the Pakistani diaspora.
The Ambassador hoisted the national flag to the tune of the national anthem.
Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador paid homage to the sacrifices of our forefathers for their vision and unparalleled sacrifices that ultimately resulted in the 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 on the 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.
A cake cutting ceremony was also held in connection with Pakistan’s independence day.
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.
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. The children also presented national song which was greatly applauded by the gathering.
