Although the United States has withdrawn its troops from Afghanistan and its footprint in that part of the world has decreased, the threat of terrorism is still potent. TTP terrorists are killing Pakistanis. We have lost more than 1500 people since US withdrew its troops from Afghanistan,” he said
“But, the United States and Pakistan have resolved that we will eliminate this menace together through cooperation in counter-terrorism,” he added.
Ambassador Khan made these remarks at Global Santa Fe, a prestigious think tank of New Mexico. The event was chaired by President Global Santa Fe Mark Asquino, conducted by Jim Falk and organized by Shawn McQueen,
“Pakistan and United States have a shared responsibility to steer Afghanistan towards stabilization because the stability of the entire region whether its Central Asia, West Asia, Pakistan, South Asia, South West Asian region depends on stabilization in Afghanistan. So it is a common objective,” he said.
Addressing a gathering of intellectuals, academics, members of think tanks, former diplomats and community leaders Masood Khan said that the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan was a traumatic experience for the United States and for the region. “There was uncertainty following that about Pakistan-United States relations. That uncertainty has been removed. The US and Pakistan fare fully engaged”, he said.
“The doubters and skeptics at that time said that Pak-US relations have no future. The Biden Administration and Pak Government have proved doubters wrong. We have re-engaged and recalibrated our relationship. We have brought this relationship back to an even keel.”
“We have built a legacy which would pass on to the future generations,” He said.
Recounting $450 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Pakistan for F-16 sustainment and related equipment, the biggest donation of COVID vaccines during the pandemic and generous assistance during last year biblical floods, Masood Khan said we need to reinvest in the relationship with immense energy so that this relationship is beneficial for our peoples.
He also highlighted recent high-level engagements and dialogues on climate change, renewable energy, health, anti-narcotics and counter-terrorism that clearly suggest a new phase of Pak-US relations post withdrawal period.
Masood Khan stressed the need for promoting people to people contacts and strengthening economic, trade and investment ties, terming it the future of the relationship.
He invited entrepreneurs and business community to invest in Pak startups, science, engineering, technology, extractive industry, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and others for reaping benefit of a large market of Pakistan and its surrounding region.
He also lauded top leadership of New Mexico for their strong support to Pak community and providing them with an enabling environment to get themselves integrating into the mainstream. He said that he was encourage by positive response toward the idea for establishing sister-city agreement to institutionalize relations at the state level.
He expressed the hope that his exploratory visit, the first ever visit to New Mexico by a Pakistani Ambassador, would help promoting people to people exchanges and cementing economic ties with New Mexico.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, September 3, 2023:
