Islamabad, Nov 18: Ahsan Underscores Climate Change, Energy, and Food Security in US-Pakistan Partnership. Speaking on Monday about future collaboration between Pakistan and the United States, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, emphasized the significance of tackling global issues like food security, energy sustainability, and climate change.
Speaking at a USAID-hosted ceremony commemorating the US’s long-standing assistance to Pakistan in infrastructure development, he urged cooperation in research on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and contemporary infrastructure to create a more resilient future.According to a news release, he also emphasized the importance of interacting with the thriving Pakistani diaspora in the US to improve intellectual, cultural, and commercial links between the two nations.
“Pakistan is a natural partner for the United States in promoting regional connectivity and economic integration because of its strategic location at the intersection of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East,” Ahsan Iqbal stated.
To solve common issues and open up new avenues for development, the minister said that positive engagement and respect for one another were essential to reviving the US-Pakistan collaboration under the new US administration.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to working with the US to create a future marked by peace, prosperity, and advancement. According to him, the United States’ substantial contributions to Pakistan’s infrastructure projects demonstrated the bilateral relationship’s ongoing strategic significance and laid up a plan for future collaboration under the incoming US president’s direction.
The minister emphasized how US-Pakistan ties have a long history, starting with defense cooperation and developing into a strong development relationship. To meet new global concerns, he emphasized the significance of developing a new dimension of collaboration centered on infrastructure, economic development, and education. He stated that Pakistan would build amicable and cordial ties with all countries, especially the United States, which has always stood for justice and humanity, by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision.
In his praise of the revolutionary effects of US-sponsored infrastructure projects in Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal mentioned the famous Mangla and Tarbela dams, which have remained vital for the country’s energy and agricultural industries.
Additionally, he highlighted US-funded projects in the fields of healthcare, education, and transportation that greatly raised millions of people’s standard of living. In his opinion, these initiatives not only met Pakistan’s short-term demands but also established the groundwork for long-term, sustainable development.
The minister also mentioned the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor, which was started between 2013 and 2018 when the PMLN was in power, calling it a “critical initiative” to improve research and academic cooperation.
He recognized the Fulbright Scholarship program, which is the biggest in the world for Pakistan, as a life-changing chance that enabled thousands of Pakistanis to make significant contributions to the advancement of their country. The potential for growing bilateral trade, which topped $6.5 billion in 2023, was highlighted by Ahsan Iqbal.
They demanded improved market access and partnerships in important industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and information technology. Attending the occasion were USAID Mission Director Veeraya (Kate) Somvongsir and US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome, who emphasized the accomplishments of the US-Pakistan relationship over the previous 70 years and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral collaboration.
