Envoy urges Pak-US strategic collaboration

Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan has called for strategic cooperation between Islamabad and Washington in various avenues of joint interest including defence.

Emphasizing the enduring bond between the two countries, the ambassador during a speech at the "Ambassador Circle Series" summit hosted in the US said, "Pakistan’s defense capabilities have to be built because the country has a rough neighborhood and we hope that defense ties between Pakistan and the United States continue".

Khan stressed the importance of continued investment in both security and non-security realms between the two nations and underscored the persistent threat of terrorism, emphasizing its lethal nature not only to Pakistan and Afghanistan but also to the United States and its regional allies.

"Pakistan and the United States should work for regional peace and stability through all diplomatic channels and tools,” he said and stressed the need for increased trade and investment.

The envoy also lauded Pakistan's role in facilitating the safe evacuation of troops and the relocation of 70,000 Afghan refugees following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Highlighting Pakistan's burgeoning tech industry, Khan expressed optimism about its potential to strengthen Pak-US relations. He noted the significant presence of US companies in Pakistan, with around 80 Fortune 500 companies engaging in profitable ventures.

“Pakistan can be used by North Carolina as a manufacturing hub. We have the manufacturing infrastructure,” said the ambassador. as he recalled the burgeoning optimism and youth potential within Pakistan that has yet to be explored.

Ambassador Khan concluded by highlighting the ambitious and optimistic youth of Pakistan, expressing confidence in the country's transformative potential despite negative projections by detractors. He envisioned Pakistan as a key player in the regional tech ecosystem and proposed collaboration between North Carolina and Pakistan in utilizing Pakistan's manufacturing infrastructure.

“I would say that beneath this veneer of dystopia projected by Pakistan’s detractors, what you have is a very bullish Pakistan, particularly its youth. You will see that transformation soon,” concluded the ambassador.

Hence, he hoped to paint a picture of a resilient and forward-thinking Pakistan, that is poised towards significant growth and development in the near future.