Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, called for increased American investment in Pakistan’s priority sectors, emphasizing the country’s large consumer market and growing human capital. Addressing the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, he outlined the importance of Pakistan’s strategic location and its investment in future technologies, positioning the country as a vital link in the Central and South Asian ecosystems.
Masood Khan highlighted the historical ties and recent collaborative efforts during the war on terror, and discussed the recalibration of Pak-US relations following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. He underscored the successes in counter-terrorism and the ongoing efforts to ensure regional stability and nuclear security. The Ambassador stressed the need to focus on strengthening economic partnerships in areas like renewable energy, climate change, healthcare, and education.
Khan urged the US to restore Foreign Military Financing and Foreign Military Sales to maintain strategic balance in South Asia, cautioning against the risks of US favoritism towards India. He advocated for a balanced US approach to avoid escalating regional tensions. The Ambassador also reiterated the necessity for a structured dialogue between Pakistan and India to address ongoing disputes.
He spoke about Pakistan’s role in bridging US-China relations, recalling Pakistan’s historical contributions and expressing readiness to facilitate economic cooperation between the two superpowers. The Ambassador emphasized that Pakistan’s strong ties with China should not hinder its relationship with the United States.
Finally, Khan invited the audience to explore Pakistan’s natural beauty and economic potential, highlighting its significant contributions to global sports and medical industries. He praised US Ambassador Donald Blome for his efforts in fostering Pak-US relations and called for continued people-centered diplomacy to enhance mutual understanding and collaboration.
