WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh presented his country’s perspective on key regional, global, and bilateral issues during a meeting with members of leading American think tanks in Washington.
He emphasized the long-term importance of Pakistan–United States relations and outlined Islamabad’s consistent stance on regional stability, international peace, and constructive engagement.
The meeting was attended by prominent representatives of the United States policy and intellectual community. Detailed discussions were held on Pakistan–United States bilateral relations as well as major regional and global developments.
Ambassador Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities, underlining its consistent and principled approach to global affairs.
He said that the year 2025 marked a significant phase of change in Pakistan–United States relations. He stressed that the improvement in ties should not be seen as temporary or optional, but as a strategic necessity for the future, based on shared interests and collective responsibility for regional and global stability.
Highlighting Pakistan’s role in promoting peace, the stated that Pakistan has always played a constructive and responsible role in ensuring regional and international stability.
He added that cooperation between Pakistan and the United States has historically produced positive outcomes, not only in advancing bilateral interests but also in contributing to broader global peace and security.
From Pakistan’s perspective, Ambassador Sheikh said recent positive trends in bilateral relations are the result of strong leadership and political will at the highest levels in both countries. He emphasized Pakistan’s strategic geographical position and strong potential for long-term, mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
He also highlighted key sectors such as minerals, energy, and information technology as areas offering vast opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
More than 65 percent of Pakistan’s population consists of young people, which he described as a major national asset. He said Pakistan’s youthful workforce has the capacity to help address labor shortages in the United States and globally. He added that Pakistan’s competitive advantage in terms of cost efficiency and quality manpower makes it an attractive destination for American investors and industries.
Addressing security issues, Ambassador Sheikh discussed Pakistan’s concerns regarding terrorism originating from Afghanistan and its serious impact on the country. He said the Pakistani nation has paid a heavy price in terms of human lives and economic losses but remains fully committed to eliminating terrorism.
He emphasized that protecting the lives and property of citizens is the top priority of the Government of Pakistan and that diplomacy remains Pakistan’s preferred approach for resolving conflicts.
Referring to the events of May 2025, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said those developments once again demonstrated that Pakistan cannot be intimidated when it comes to its sovereignty and national dignity.
He stated that Indian aggression during that period posed serious risks to regional peace and stability. He stressed that a just and lasting resolution of the Kashmir issue, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people, is essential for sustainable regional and global peace.
At the conclusion of the meeting, members of the United States think tank community praised Pakistan’s foreign policy approach, its constructive role in regional and global affairs, and the effective and mature diplomacy demonstrated by Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh.
