WASHINGTON: Discussions at the Pakistan Day reception at the embassy underscored the importance of political unity in Pakistan, while the PTI’s protests dominated conversations among the guests.

Ambassador Masood Khan also acknowledged the necessity of political stability in Pakistan when he addressed his guests: “We continue to work for political cohesion in our country and economic development.”

The other speaker, USAID Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia Michael Schiffer, emphasised Pakistan’s long-term development aspirations. “Enhancing Pakistan’s economic growth is a bedrock of our work,” he declared.

Ambassador Khan assured the audience both sides were working to recalibrate ties structured around trade, investment, green energy, healthcare, education, and science and technology.

Mr Schiffer identified “sustainable economic growth, greater access to energy, gender equality, strengthening peace and inclusion, education, and health” as shared objectives.

Ambassador Khan said, “Together, we would continue to work for regional and global security and counter transnational threats, especially terrorism.”

Over 450 guests, including ambassadors of friendly countries, other diplomats and military attaches, high-ranking officials from the US State Department, the World Bank, IMF, US lawmakers, think tank scholars, media representatives, and members of the Pak-American community, attended the event.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2024