PICTURE: PAK. EMBASSY
WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh emphasized the strength and resilience of Pakistan-U.S. relations during an interaction with a visiting delegation from the National Defence University (NDU) at the embassy of Pakistan.
Speaking to senior civil and military officers from Pakistan’s premier defense institution, Ambassador Sheikh said Pakistan-U.S. relations, initiated with a letter from U.S. President Harry Truman to Pakistan’s founder in 1947, had endured and evolved through decades of global and regional challenges.
“The Pakistan-U.S. partnership has consistently adapted to changing geopolitical dynamics, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for resilience,” the ambassador noted. He added that Pakistan’s strategic location, combined with its status as the world’s fifth-largest population, projected to become the third-largest by 2050, makes it a key player in regional and global affairs.
Ambassador Sheikh underscored Pakistan’s pivotal role in counterterrorism efforts, climate resilience, and regional peacekeeping. Citing the devastating 2022 floods as a turning point, he acknowledged the support of international partners, including the U.S., and called for greater collaboration on climate adaptation and disaster preparedness.
Economically, the ambassador said the United States remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner and identified emerging opportunities in critical minerals, green energy, and agriculture. “Economic engagement is anchoring a new era in Pakistan-U.S. relations,” he stated.
Addressing regional security issues, he pointed to the fragile ceasefire along the Pakistan-India border and credited timely U.S. diplomatic efforts for helping prevent escalation.
However, he stressed that the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir remains unresolved and requires sustained international attention. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Indus Water Treaty and warned against unilateral moves that could threaten water security in the region.
Looking to the future, Ambassador Sheikh advocated for a broader, standalone strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States, grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and forward-looking cooperation. He emphasized Pakistan’s youthful population and growing technological capacity as assets that can drive joint innovation and prosperity.
The NDU delegation, which was accompanied by senior officials from the Near-East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA), engaged in an interactive session exploring Pakistan’s perspectives on global and regional developments. The visit was part of the group’s capstone educational tour concluding their National Security and War Course.
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