PESHAWAR: US deputy chief of mission (DCM) Andrew Schofer has underscored his government’s commitment to the government and people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through economic, development, security, and cultural preservation programmes, which have strengthened the US-Pakistan bilateral relations over the past 75 years.

During his three-day visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the US Embassy in Islamabad donated four trucks of critical relief items, including water, baby diapers and cribs, warming and hygiene kits and blankets to help the flood-hit communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The US government has thus far contributed over $66 million in cash, food, shelter, and health assistance in response to the devastating flooding. This support also included a military air bridge that delivered lifesaving supplies to the people of Pakistan.

On Oct 6, DCM Schofer and US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West and called on 11th Corps Commander Lt-Gen Sardar Hassan Azhar Hayat to discuss US-Pakistan cooperation on security issues. The two officials also visited a UNHCR school for Afghan refugee girls.

The following day, DCM Schofer visited the Joint Police Training Centre in Nowshera, a $17.2 million training centre, whose construction is funded by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

DCM Schofer and IGP Moazzam Jah Ansari also witnessed the Elite Force in action during a training activity.

DCM Schofer also visited the Peshawar Museum to explore the extraordinary collection of Ghandara artifacts, and had the opportunity to use the US-funded mobile app designed to inform visitors with the history of each artifact in three different languages.

The US government has invested over $800,000 in cultural heritage preservation since 2002.

DCM Schofer wrapped up his trip with a tour of the Torkham border crossing and viewed the 46-kilometre Peshawar-Torkham Road, an $87 million US government project.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2022