WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has said ties between Islamabad and Washington are currently on a stronger footing than in previous years, but stressed that the improvement should not be taken for granted.
Addressing a gathering organised by the Pakistani American Press Association (PAPA) in Washington, Ambassador Sheikh said the present environment provided both countries with an opportunity to turn improved relations into a long-term, practical and results-driven partnership.
The event was organised to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence and Pakistan’s upcoming 79th Independence Day. Diplomats, politicians, government officials, journalists, business representatives, intellectuals and members of the Pakistani American community attended the ceremony.
Sheikh noted that Pakistan-US relations had experienced considerable fluctuations over the decades, moving through periods of close cooperation as well as serious differences. Despite these challenges, he said, the bilateral relationship had repeatedly demonstrated its resilience.
The ambassador also highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance, saying the country could play a constructive role not only in maintaining its own stability but also in supporting peace and stability across the region and beyond.
Referring to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, Sheikh said the development further reflected Pakistan’s geographical significance and its growing strategic role in the region.
He said the current priority in Pakistan-US relations should be the expansion of economic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment and mutually beneficial business opportunities.
According to the ambassador, a stronger economic foundation could make bilateral relations more sustainable and ensure that cooperation continues well beyond the tenure of individual ambassadors or governments.
Sheikh expressed hope that the two countries would build a partnership that serves future generations rather than being limited to the circumstances of the present.
Awards Presented
The ceremony also featured recognition of individuals who had made notable contributions in journalism, public service, law, business, social welfare, arts and literature, security and Pakistan-US relations.
Leadership and Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Judge Amina Khan, Police Chief Kamran Afzal, Dr Sajid Tarar, senior journalist Anwar Iqbal, Azeem M. Mian, Naveed Butt, Dr Bina Goindi, Abdul Rauf Shakoori, Mian Tahir Ismail, Muhammad Saleem and Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh.
Pakistani American personalities from different fields were also recognised, including Dr Sajid Tarar and American Muslim civil rights leader Zainab Chaudhry, who addressed the gathering.
Meanwhile, Journalism Excellence Awards were presented to Faqir Naqvi, Raja Zahid Khanzada, Aziz Ahmed, Uzma Gul, Zeeshan Tahir, Umar Farooq Jan, Asadullah Khalid, Fazal Khaliq, Muhammad Farrukh, Faheem Mian, Moaz Asad Siddiqui, Qazi Naveed, Madiha Masood and Saqib-ul-Islam.
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