WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has said that Pakistan-US relations are currently in a considerably better position than in the past, while stressing that both countries must avoid complacency and turn the improved diplomatic atmosphere into a durable, results-oriented partnership.
The ambassador made the remarks at a joint ceremony organised by the Pakistani American Press Association (PAPA) in Washington to celebrate the United States’ 250th Independence Day and Pakistan’s upcoming 79th Independence Day.
The event brought together diplomats, government officials, political figures, journalists, Pakistani American intellectuals, business leaders, community representatives and members of the Pakistani American community.
Ambassador Calls for Sustainable Pakistan-US Partnership
Speaking to the Pakistani American journalist community, Ambassador Sheikh said the current state of Pakistan-US relations appeared significantly better than it had been during several previous phases of bilateral engagement.
However, he cautioned that the progress should not lead to complacency.
According to the ambassador, the present environment provides an important opportunity for Pakistan and the United States to move beyond a relationship that simply “looks better” and build a partnership capable of producing long-term and tangible results.
He emphasised that stronger diplomatic ties would require sustained efforts from both sides and should be transformed into a relationship based on shared interests and practical cooperation.
Relationship Has Survived Ups and Downs
Ambassador Sheikh noted that the history of Pakistan-US relations has included both periods of close cooperation and phases of significant tension.
Despite these ups and downs, he said, the relationship between the two countries had endured.
The ambassador’s remarks highlighted the importance of learning from the history of bilateral relations while focusing on opportunities that can strengthen cooperation in the future.
He said Pakistan had the capacity not only to maintain stability within its own borders but also to contribute to stability at the regional and global levels.
Pakistan’s Strategic Importance Highlighted
While discussing Pakistan’s regional role, Ambassador Sheikh referred to the joint defence agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, signed in Makkah.
He described the agreement as another acknowledgement of Pakistan’s geographical position, regional importance and strategic role.
The ambassador said Pakistan’s location and its relationships with countries across the region give it an important role in promoting wider stability and cooperation.
His comments come as Islamabad continues to emphasise the importance of stronger economic, diplomatic and strategic engagement with international partners.
Economic Cooperation at the Centre of Bilateral Ties
A major focus of Ambassador Sheikh’s address was the economic dimension of Pakistan-US relations.
He said the current phase of bilateral engagement should increasingly focus on trade, investment and economic cooperation.
According to the ambassador, a stronger economic relationship could provide a more sustainable foundation for the long-term partnership between Pakistan and the United States.
He stressed that economic engagement should not be limited to short-term developments or individual diplomatic terms.
Instead, he expressed the hope that stronger commercial ties between the two countries could create lasting benefits for both societies and future generations.
Trade and Investment Could Strengthen Future Ties
The ambassador’s emphasis on trade and investment reflects the growing importance of economic diplomacy in international relations.
A stronger Pakistan-US economic partnership could create opportunities in areas such as investment, commerce, technology, entrepreneurship and business-to-business cooperation.
Ambassador Sheikh said the relationship should ultimately develop beyond individual governments or ambassadors and become a durable partnership based on mutually beneficial interests.
He expressed the hope that progress made during the current period would continue long after his tenure as Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington.
Call for Long-Term Vision
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh called for Pakistan-US relations to be advanced in a way that is not restricted to the present political environment.
He said the bilateral relationship should not depend on any single ambassador, government or generation.
Instead, he advocated an enduring partnership capable of producing lasting results and strengthening ties between the peoples of Pakistan and the United States.
The ambassador’s message underscored the need for consistency, economic cooperation and sustained engagement to convert the current positive atmosphere into a long-term strategic partnership.
Pakistani American Community Honoured
A significant part of the Washington ceremony was dedicated to recognising individuals who have made distinguished contributions across different fields.
Leadership and Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to several prominent figures for their contributions to journalism, public service, law, business, social welfare, arts and literature, security, and the promotion of Pakistan-US relations.
Among those honoured were Judge Amina Khan, Police Chief Kamran Afzal, Dr Sajid Tarar, senior journalist Anwar Iqbal, Azeem M. Mian, Naveed Butt, Dr Bina Goindi, Abdul Rauf Shakoori, Mian Tahir Ismail, Muhammad Saleem and Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh.
The event also recognised Pakistani American personalities from various professional and community backgrounds.
American Muslim civil rights leader Zainab Chaudhry was among those honoured and also addressed the gathering.
Pakistani American Community Plays Key Role
The ceremony highlighted the role of the Pakistani American community in strengthening people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the United States.
Pakistani American journalists, entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders and intellectuals have continued to contribute to dialogue between the two countries.
The gathering provided an opportunity to recognise these contributions while also discussing the future direction of bilateral relations.
With Ambassador Sheikh calling for greater emphasis on trade, investment and economic engagement, the event reflected a broader push to build a more sustainable foundation for Pakistan-US relations.
The ambassador’s remarks ultimately focused on transforming the current improvement in bilateral ties into a lasting, practical and results-oriented partnership—one capable of continuing across governments, diplomatic administrations and generations.
