Washington D.C: In a special ceremony held at the Embassy of Pakistan, Congressman Alexander N. Green was honored with the prestigious Sitara-i-Khidmat for his significant contributions to enhancing the relationship between Pakistan and the United States. The award recognized his efforts in promoting a positive image of Pakistan within the U.S. Congress, combatting Islamophobia, and advocating for Pakistan during challenging times, such as the devastating floods of 2022.
According to Press Information Department, the investiture ceremony was attended by various dignitaries including Congressman Randy Weber, Representative Henry Ceullar, former Congressman Nick Lampson, Texas State Representative Rep. Suleman Lalani, diplomats, and prominent members of the Pakistani American community from Texas and the DMV area. Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, in his welcome remarks, highlighted Congressman Green’s dedication to fostering strong diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and the United States. He praised Green’s advocacy for Pakistan in the U.S. Congress, especially his efforts to secure timely assistance during Pakistan’s 2022 floods.
Congressman Green expressed his gratitude for the honor and emphasized the deep connections and common values between the peoples of the two nations. He recounted his visit to Pakistan during the floods, describing it as a response to a dire need among people he considers family. He reaffirmed his commitment to preventing any divisions between the two countries and to continuing to build lasting relationships through people-to-people engagement.
Ambassador Sheikh also commended Congressman Green’s role in broader regional issues, including his support for counter-terrorism efforts and significant legislative measures such as the Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2009. He noted that the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States is built on shared values and mutual respect, with strong people-to-people connections at its core, a sentiment strongly supported by Congressman Green’s work.
The ceremony not only served as a recognition of Congressman Green’s individual contributions but also as a reaffirmation of the enduring partnership between Pakistan and the United States, rooted in shared endeavors for peace, economic development, and global challenges like terrorism and climate change.