248th USA Independence Day Reception Showcases Deep-Rooted U.S.-Pakistan Relations

Islamabad - 3 July 2024 (Adnan Hameed) : U.S. Mission in Pakistan hosted a reception to mark the 248 years of Independence. Ambassador Blome welcomed Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning Development and Special Initiatives, and other dignitaries attending the reception.  Ambassador Blome's remarks focused on long-standing U.S. Pakistan partnership and initiatives to further strengthen the vital bond between both nations. Partners in Energy: “Mangla, Tarbela, Gomal Zam, Satpara, and Golen Gol.  These dams provide clean, affordable energy to millions of homes, prevent water shortages, and mitigate the damaging effects of flooding. Today we are upgrading Mangla and Tarbela with new GE turbines.  The originals lasted for 50 years, and the new versions will last another 50 years – a 100 year investment in Pakistan funded directly, not through loans.  That is what we mean by commitment.” Partners In Economy: “American businesses have played a leading role in Pakistan since independence, and not as foreign entities implanted on Pakistani soil.  U.S. firms overwhelmingly employ Pakistanis from top to bottom, training them to the highest technical and management levels, and these employees go on in turn to found and run their own global firms.” “The United States has been a steadfast supporter of Pakistan’s healthcare system. In May 2024 the United States and Sindh government launched a groundbreaking initiative with an investment of $9 million, aimed at addressing tuberculosis.” “I want to stress the strength and durability of the U.S.-Pakistan partnership.  And as we celebrate Independence Day, we also celebrate the steps we have taken together. Those of us who have worked together to strengthen this relationship have always recognized the partnership is, and has always been, part of a longer journey toward increased prosperity and security for our two nations. Federal Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal was honored as the Chief Guest at the celebration of the 248th anniversary of American independence hosted by the American Embassy in Islamabad. While addressing a gathering of diplomats, business leaders, and academics to celebrate US Independence Day, the minister emphasized the resilience of 76 years long Pak-US partnership. He cited examples of cooperation in the fields of education, trade, IT, disaster mitigation and social sector. He emphasized the importance of nurturing and deepening these relationships for mutual benefit. He also spoke about critical issues related to human rights, conveying the hopes and aspirations of the Pakistani people from the U.S. government to support and aid in ending the conflict and violence in Gaza, as well as to endorse the democratic right of self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir emphasizing the significance of peaceful resolutions to these conflicts. He appreciated US support to advance education, IT infrastructure, agriculture technology and disaster mitigation in Pakistan. He specifically thanked US for its assistance to Pakistan to recover from the effects of 2022 floods. The Minister announced that bilateral trade between Pakistan and the US exceeded $12 billion in 2023, with Pakistani exports reaching $6 billion. He also highlighted Pakistan's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and the potential for start-up collaborations, venture capital investments, and innovation hubs to drive technological advancements. He also mentioned the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor initiative, which aims to train 10,000 Ph.D. scholars in top US universities over ten years.