Global Beat Foundation Organizes Webinar Celebrating 75 Years of US-Pakistan Relations
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
Washington, DC

 

" US-Pak relations are based on mutual interests ", observed Elizabeth Horst, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Pakistan at the US State Department. Addressing a webinar on Pakistan-US bilateral relations, she said ties between the two countries in the last 75 years have been based on the fundamental ideals of freedom with a unique identity.

Ajaz Siddiqi	Arid Rauf
Asif Durrani	Elizabeth Horst
Idrees Ali	Merium Sabih
Nuzaira Azam

 

“The 75 years of relations should not be seen as both nations at a crossroads but as moving forward,” added Horst. She felt both countries are committed to advancing educational opportunities by creating networks and ties to share the vast knowledge of talented individuals in the US and Pakistan. What is more, rapid growth in the realm of science and technology significantly boosts innovation that young professionals in both nations can gainfully exploit. Using the resources both countries possess, it is time to build our trade partnership beyond materialistic exports and collaborate in a trade of knowledge and innovation.

The webinar was organized by the Global Beat Foundation (GBF) in collaboration with the American-Pakistani Professionals Chamber of Commerce (APPCOC) on August 20, 2022, to celebrate the 75 th anniversary of US-Pakistan relations. The forum brought together journalists, academics, US State Department representatives, and a former ambassador to highlight the positive spinoffs of diplomacy using electronic media technology. The speakers provided their unique take on how the US-Pakistan ties have evolved in the last 75 years and what we can expect in the future.

The session began with a presentation by Dr Rauf Arif, a professor from Towson University, who furnished his perspective on the role of social media in diplomatic relations. He spotlighted the role of mass media in a globalized world where individual social media platforms can play an impactful role in shaping diplomatic ties. The world has seen the way political leaders have employed social media as a tool in dampening diplomatic relations. Dr Arif spoke of the challenges we face with misinformation and fake news as faceted entities, mainly when social media are used as a weapon to disrupt diplomatic relations. This exploitation of social media tools employed by political leaders erupts in peaceful diplomatic relations. However, Dr Arif presented several solutions by stating the importance of launching initiatives to provide context by sharing information. It is also necessary to recognize how social media has changed the political landscape and how it operates among different populations.

Mr Idrees Ali, a journalist from Reuters, followed Dr Arif and brought his expertise to discuss Pakistan’s ability to play a mediator role between the US and its adversaries. The US has a complicated diplomatic relationship with nations such as China, Russia, and Afghanistan. However, due to Pakistan's regional proximity, shared cultural values, and partnerships with those nations, it could utilize its diplomatic relations to strengthen the bonds of the US with its adversaries. This capacity of Pakistan to play a bridge for the US highlights the diplomatic strength of the country with other world powers.

Former Ambassador Asif Durrani went in depth to highlight how Pakistan is an essential geopolitical nation that should be viewed as a significant world player. He said that US-Pakistan relations are particularly important and cooperative ties are always needed “even if there are frictions,” he added. Ambassador Durrani said that Pakistan is a young nation powered by resolute professionals and a powerful military. Pakistan displayed this power when it became a bridge between the US and China for negotiations. He also indicated that Pakistan facilitated peace talks with the Afghan Taliban. Ambassador Durrani highlighted the importance of Pakistan on the world stage and its role in addressing global issues.

Earlier, Nuzaira Azam, president of The Global Beat Foundation welcomed the panelists and the guests. John Lennon from the organization opened the webinar and, in a slide show, he gave a brief account of what the GBF had been doing since 2016. He also outlined the future plans of the GBF. Ajaz Siddiqi, president of the American-Pakistani Professionals Chamber of Commerce introduced his organization and gave a vote of thanks. Meriam Sabih from the GBF moderated the webinar. It was broadcast live on Facebook.