US reaffirms commitment to Pakistan

The United States has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Pakistan, describing the country as a vital partner for decades to come, in a statement marking the approach of America's 250th anniversary in 2026.

In the statement, Natalie Baker, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Islamabad, framed the milestone not merely as a celebration, but as an opportunity for renewal of national strength, democratic institutions, economic resilience, and principled leadership.

"America at 250 is about restoring national strength, strengthening democratic institutions, fostering economic growth, and reaffirming principled leadership grounded in realism and reciprocity," Baker said, emphasising that strong nations make strong partnerships.

She highlighted the resilience of democratic systems, noting that the US Constitution, ratified in 1788, established checks and balances to protect liberty and prevent the concentration of power. Drawing parallels with Pakistan, she said the country's own journey, shaped by reform and defence of national priorities, resonates with these ideals.

"Just as the United States safeguards its institutions while respecting the sovereignty of others, we seek collaboration with Pakistan based on mutual respect and shared interests," she stated.

Baker also underlined the economic dimension of the US-Pakistan partnership, noting that the US economy is powered by innovation, enterprise, and the rule of law. She pointed to the Freedom 250 agenda, linking America's founding principles to a forward-looking foreign policy focused on prosperity, innovation, and durable partnerships.

She highlighted intensified economic engagement since January 2025, citing the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir's visit to the White House and agreements between US and Pakistani firms in critical minerals, mining, and infrastructure.

These initiatives, supported by US financing tools, Baker said, demonstrate how strategic investment can create jobs, enhance resilience, and strengthen prosperity for both nations.

Security cooperation, she said, is essential to sustaining prosperity. She highlighted the shared commitment of the US and Pakistan to counterterrorism and extremism while respecting sovereignty. She said collaboration on counterterrorism and intelligence strengthens citizen safety and builds trust between the two countries.

Baker acknowledged overseas Pakistanis' contributions in medicine, science, business, and civic life in the US, while reiterating the importance of lawful immigration. She said visas remain a privilege, not a right, but stressed that Pakistani nationals and the diaspora strengthen American communities and promote mutual understanding.

Concluding her message, Baker expressed optimism about the future of US-Pakistan relations. She said recent high-level engagements and agreements demonstrate the benefits of mutual respect, tangible results, and aligned economic and security interests.

"Pakistan's resilience, innovation, and strategic importance offer the opportunity to create a lasting legacy of collaboration," Baker said, adding that the United States reaffirms its commitment to a strong, respectful, and forward-looking relationship—one that will continue to deliver security, prosperity, and leadership for the next 250 years.