Washington D.C: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, emphasized the importance of resetting and enhancing the Pakistan-US relationship through stronger security links and deeper intelligence cooperation. Speaking at the Annual Pakistan conference at the Wilson Center’s South Asia Institute, in partnership with the International Academy of Letters USA, Ambassador Khan highlighted the potential for mutual security and economic benefits that could arise from renewed cooperation and strategic alignment between the two countries.
According to Embassy of Pakistan – Washington D.C, Ambassador Khan addressed a diverse audience, including policymakers, scholars, and leaders from the Pak-American community. He stressed the need for the US to resume sales of advanced military platforms to Pakistan and continue the sustainment of Pakistan’s US-origin defense equipment, citing these steps as crucial for regional security and counterterrorism efforts. Ambassador Khan articulated a vision for the future where both nations leverage their shared values and aspirations to bolster their partnership.
The Ambassador also underscored the importance of not allowing a few discordant issues to derail the broader relationship. He pointed out the necessity for the relationship to be grounded in current realities while aiming for stronger security and economic partnerships. Highlighting several areas of successful collaboration such as energy, agriculture, and technology, Khan called for the US to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s growing sectors like IT and minerals.
The discussion also touched upon the strategic implications of the Pakistan-China relationship, with Khan describing it as a ‘strategic dyad model’ important to maintaining balance in the region. He emphasized that Pakistan could serve as a vital economic conduit between the US and China, potentially connecting the Belt and Road Initiative with the US-led Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.
Ambassador Khan concluded by acknowledging the significant role of the Pakistani American community in strengthening bilateral ties and thanked the organizers of the conference for facilitating a critical dialogue on the future of US-Pakistan relations.