Pakistan's envoy says ties with US not merely optional but necessity for present, future

Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh on Monday said that the Pakistan-US bilateral relations were not merely optional but an important necessity of the present time and the future. The ambassador, in his address at the “Pakistan Conference” held at Harvard University, invited American businessmen and investors to exploit Pakistan’s potential, reiterating the country’s commitment to provide every possible facilitation to investors. Shiekh said that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned Pakistan emerging as “the axis of the world” and that, owing to Pakistan’s decades-long positive diplomatic role and consistent efforts, the country was selected as a facilitator for US-Iran negotiations. The ambassador thanked the United States and Iran for their strong expression of confidence and reaffirmed that his country would continue its sincere efforts for regional peace. Read More: Iran warns 'no port in Gulf, Sea of Oman will be safe' after US blockade He said that Pakistan had been blessed by nature with immense resources, including natural and human resources, particularly a large youth population. Shiekh added that right after its creation, Pakistan faced multiple challenges; however, it had not only overcome those difficulties but was also progressing on the path of development. “Pakistan’s future is bright and lies in safe hands,” the ambassador said. Describing Pakistan as the country most affected by terrorism, he said it had paid the heaviest price in the global war against terrorism and continues to do so. “We are determined, with high resolve and steadfastness, to defeat this menace,” he added. He stressed that while evaluating Pakistan’s performance, its challenges must also be taken into consideration.