Lahore: U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie Baker embarked on her first visit to Lahore, where she engaged in activities promoting U.S.-Pakistan partnerships in trade, cultural preservation, and education. Joined by U.S. Consul General Kristin Hawkins, Baker visited key cultural sites and met with various stakeholders to discuss bilateral initiatives, particularly those enhancing opportunities for youth and women in Punjab.

According to Embassy of the United States of America, Baker’s itinerary included meetings with U.S. business representatives and interactions with local communities. These discussions focused on the contributions of American companies to creating jobs and supporting community development initiatives across Punjab. In a gesture highlighting the U.S. commitment to gender equity, Baker and Hawkins participated in a cricket match with female athletes at the National High-Performance Center, showcasing support for empowering Pakistani women through sports and educational programs.

The visit also took Baker to the Walled City of Lahore, including tours of the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque, where she underscored the U.S. investment in preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage. The U.S. has funded the preservation of 35 cultural sites nationwide, with significant efforts at Lahore Fort involving an investment of approximately $1 million to maintain seven key sites.

Baker’s trip underlined the depth of U.S.-Pakistan relations, emphasizing the mutual benefits of cultural exchange and the importance of educational and economic opportunities for women. She also met with members of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network, recognizing their role in applying their experience from U.S.-funded exchange programs to foster local community development.