Remarks by Ambassador Masood Khan to celebrate 76th Independence Day of Pakistan
Ms. Elizabeth Horst, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of South and Central Asia,
Colleagues from the State Department,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Asalam-o-Alaikum. Good Morning!
I thank you for joining us today on this occasion to celebrate the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan.
Today we pay homage to the sacrifices of our forefathers and vision of our founding fathers, who created the State of Pakistan.
We reaffirm our commitment to make Pakistan a beacon of peace and prosperity in the region.
This year, we are celebrating two important milestones – the 75th Anniversary of the Independence of Pakistan as well as the establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the United States.
Just like the United States, Pakistan’s foundations are also built with the sweat and blood of our forefathers.
In August 1947, the United States was the first country that extended full recognition to Pakistan.
We fondly remember the message of felicitations sent by President Harry S. Truman in 1947 to the people of Pakistan, which said “The American people anticipate a long history of close and cordial relations with your country.” Quaid-e-Azam reciprocated that message of goodwill and friendship.
Pakistan had a remarkable journey over the last 75 years. Despite external and internal challenges, Pakistan has moved forward to become a resilient nation.
We are focused on economic and human development of our people.
We are pursuing a foreign policy that seeks to promote peace and prosperity in the region and beyond. We work for win-win cooperation.
To this end, we are positioning Pakistan as an economic and transit hub and a meeting point for positive global interests.
Our geographic location, demographic dividend, democratic orientation, rich human and natural resources clearly put us in a unique position to realize this vision.
The remarkable improvement in our internal security situation over the last several years, achieved through immense sacrifices of our security forces and civilians, now opens doors for foreign investment.
Pakistan has resolved to work for a peaceful neighborhood, forge closer ties with its partners and work for human security.
We will continue to work with the U.S. for peace and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Over the last 75 years, Pakistan has enjoyed an enduring relationship with the U.S. Both our countries have prospered whenever we have worked together – to end the Cold War or prosecute the war on terror. We have served as UN peacekeepers in many parts of the world. We have made and built peace together.
We share common values and are committed to the same national and international goals.
Today as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of our enduring ties, Pakistan looks forward to crafting a broad-based relationship based on convergence of interests.
Together we are pursuing a broad-based agenda that covers trade, investment, regional connectivity, energy cooperation, people-to-people ties, education and cultural exchanges.
We are also cooperating on global issues such as public health and combating climate change.
Recent high-level exchanges have further solidified the foundations of this long-standing partnership.
The people of Pakistan have always had tremendous cultural affinity for the U.S. Our brightest young men and women aspire to study in U.S. colleges and universities through scholarship programs such as Fulbright. These Fulbright scholars have contributed tremendously to Pakistan’s socio-economic progress.
We will continue to work together to enhance educational cooperation.
A manifestation of this robust relationship is the dynamic and vibrant Pakistani American community. Nearly 1 million Pakistani Americans living in the US are making productive contribution to the US politics, culture and economy. They are a bridge between the two countries
I conclude by thanking all our friends who have joined us today in celebrating this occasion.
We value your support and contribution in the development of an enduring partnership between Pakistan and the US.
Thank you!
Washington D.C August 14, 2022
