Washington : Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Masood Khan, has underscored the critical importance of robust defense and security cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. Speaking at the Annual Pakistan conference in Washington D.C., he highlighted the necessity of this collaboration for regional security and combating terrorism, which poses a threat to both nations and their allies.
Ambassador Khan expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-US relations, emphasizing that both countries have successfully aligned their bilateral relationship to serve their strategic interests. He mentioned that a practical roadmap is being developed to enhance mutual understanding and ensure security and prosperity for both nations.
Highlighting Pakistan’s favorable demographics, technological progress, and significant market opportunities, Ambassador Khan encouraged US investors and businesses to explore these prospects. He presented security, economic, and strategic cooperation as new areas for strengthening bilateral ties, noting the importance of defense talks and joint military exercises like Inspired Union-2024, Falcon Talon, and Red Flag.
Ambassador Khan also acknowledged the successful collaboration between Pakistan and the US in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, climate change, healthcare, education, science, and technology. He expressed gratitude for US assistance and welcomed new initiatives in these fields, particularly inviting investment in Pakistan’s IT, energy, agriculture, and minerals sectors.
Regarding Pakistan’s relationship with China, Ambassador Khan described it as a “strategic dyad model,” distinct from strategic autonomy or neutrality. He highlighted Pakistan’s historical role as a strategic bridge between the US and China in the 1970s and suggested that Pakistan could now serve as an economic conduit, linking China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the US-led Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).
On India, the Ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue to resolve longstanding issues, such as the Kashmir dispute, suggesting that upcoming elections could provide an opportunity for renewed diplomacy. He also proposed that the US should consider involving Pakistan in its diplomatic strategies for Afghanistan, particularly concerning counterterrorism and the rights of women and girls.
