WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has said that relations between Pakistan and the United States are currently in a considerably better position than they have been in the past, but stressed that the progress should not be taken for granted.
Addressing a gathering in Washington, the ambassador said the improved atmosphere between the two countries presented an important opportunity to transform the relationship into a stable, long-term and results-oriented partnership.
His remarks came at a joint ceremony organised by the Pakistani American Press Association (PAPA) to commemorate the United States’ 250th Independence Day and Pakistan’s upcoming 79th Independence Day.
The event brought together diplomats, political and government figures, journalists, Pakistani American intellectuals, business leaders and members of the Pakistani American community.
Stronger Ties Require Sustained Effort
Speaking to the Pakistani American journalist community, Ambassador Sheikh acknowledged that Pakistan-US relations have historically experienced significant ups and downs.
The two countries have gone through periods of close cooperation as well as difficult phases, but the ambassador noted that the relationship had endured despite those challenges.
He cautioned, however, that the current improvement should not lead to complacency.
According to Sheikh, both sides now have an opportunity to move beyond a relationship that simply “looks better” and instead build a partnership capable of producing tangible and lasting results.
Such a relationship, he suggested, would require sustained diplomatic engagement and continued efforts from both countries.
Economic Engagement at the Centre
The ambassador said the current phase of Pakistan-US relations is increasingly focused on strengthening the economic dimension of bilateral ties.
He identified trade, investment and mutual economic engagement as important pillars for the future of the relationship.
Sheikh argued that a stronger economic partnership could provide a more durable foundation for bilateral ties and ensure that cooperation continues beyond the tenure of individual ambassadors or governments.
He expressed the hope that Pakistan and the United States could establish economic links strong enough to benefit future generations.
For Pakistan, greater trade and investment opportunities with the United States could provide additional avenues for economic cooperation, while stronger commercial ties could also give Washington a broader stake in long-term stability and development in the region.
Pakistan’s Regional Role
Sheikh also highlighted Pakistan’s geographical and strategic importance, saying the country could contribute not only to its own stability but also to peace and stability across the wider region.
Referring to a joint defence agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed in Makkah, he described the development as further recognition of Pakistan’s geographical position and strategic relevance.
The ambassador suggested that Pakistan’s regional role could complement efforts to build stronger international partnerships.
At the same time, his remarks placed economic cooperation at the centre of the future Pakistan-US relationship rather than relying solely on security or strategic considerations.
Pakistan Says Makkah Defence Pact Open to Countries Supporting Its Principles
Aim for a Partnership Beyond Governments
In his concluding remarks, Sheikh stressed that the future of Pakistan-US relations should not depend on a particular ambassador, government or generation.
Instead, he expressed the hope that the relationship could develop into an enduring and durable partnership with benefits extending well beyond the current political environment.
He said the objective should be to turn the present improvement in relations into a foundation for long-term cooperation.
Pakistani Americans Honoured at Ceremony
A significant portion of the event was also dedicated to recognising individuals for their contributions to journalism, public service, law, business, social welfare, arts and literature, security and the promotion of Pakistan-US relations.
Leadership and Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to 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.
Pakistani American figures from different fields were also recognised, including Dr Sajid Tarar and American Muslim civil rights leader Zainab Chaudhry, who addressed the gathering.
Meanwhile, Journalism Excellence Awards were presented to Faqir Naqvi, Raja Zahid Khanzada, Aziz Ahmed, Uzma Gul, Zeeshan Tahir, Umar Farooq Jan, Asadullah Khalid, Fazal Khaliq, Muhammad Farrukh, Faheem Mian, Moaz Asad Siddiqui, Qazi Naveed, Madiha Masood and Saqib-ul-Islam.
The ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the national days of Pakistan and the United States but also to recognise the contributions of members of the Pakistani American community.
For Ambassador Sheikh, however, the central message remained focused on the future: improved bilateral relations offer an opportunity, but maintaining that progress will require consistent engagement, economic cooperation and a long-term commitment from both sides.
