Washington: Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States H.E. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh addressed an audience at the University of California, Berkeley, highlighting Pakistan’s evolving role in the Middle East amidst geopolitical changes. His talk focused on the country’s strategic importance and its efforts in fostering regional stability.

According to Press Information Department, the event was organized by the Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies, Department of Ethnic Studies, and Programme on Arab and Palestinian Studies. Ambassador Sheikh emphasized the critical role Pakistan has played over the past eight decades in the region’s political economy, citing its strategic location and historical context as key factors in its policy decisions. He noted Pakistan’s emergence as a stabilizing force in South Asia and the Middle East over the past year.

In his address, Ambassador Sheikh discussed Pakistan’s historical involvement in regional and international security, pointing out the lasting impact of regional conflicts and rivalries on the country’s security and economy. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability through responsible engagement. During a question-and-answer session, he explored various aspects of Pakistan’s regional policies, including Afghanistan, terrorism, and migration, urging an understanding of Pakistan’s challenges through a historical lens.

Ambassador Sheikh also brought attention to Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, highlighting its frequent exposure to extreme weather events as a frontline state in the global climate fight. He concluded by portraying Pakistan as a resilient nation that has consistently pursued peace and development despite numerous crises. He encouraged deeper engagement with Pakistan’s history and contemporary realities beyond existing perceptions.