PESHAWAR, April 17: Michael A. Spangler, principal officer of the US Consulate, has said that ties between the United States and Pakistan walk will last long. He was speaking as chief guest at the annual day function of the Peshawar Model Degree College (PMDC) on Sunday.

He said the question of drifting away of Americans from Pakistan rose many a time, but after the 9/11 incident Pakistan became a close ally of the US in combating terrorism.

Citing a German philosopher, he said that nations did not have friends, they had only interests. “But I believe in close mutual ties”.

He said Pakistan and the US friendship would last long.

He appreciated the PMDC’s administration for maintaining high standards in the field of education and eulogised students for presenting a beautiful show.

Later, he distributed prizes and shields among students and teachers for their excellent academic performance.

Sheharyar, Abid Ali, Mir Sabeeh Javed and Saleemullah received the academic awards while Farooq Zia, Ali bin Arshad, Abdullah, Ihsanullah Khalil, Syed Waqas Anwar, Saddam Hussain, Maqsood Ahmed, Tauseefur Rahman and Mohammad Umair Khan were given awards for exhibiting their qualities in co-curricular activities. Prof Haji Usman was given special prize for maintaining discipline and order in the college.

Earlier, Prof Ijaz Ali Khan presented the annual report of the college’s curricular and extra-curricular activities.

PMDC principal Syed Attaullah Shah said the institution was making progress in academics.