Ambassador Masood Khan addresses an event in Washington – X/@Masood__Khan/File
Pakistani Students in US “a Force Multiplier in Cementing Pak-US Ties”: Ambassador Masood Khan
By Elaine Pasquini
Washington: “Pakistani students studying in the United States not only connect Pakistan to the United States but also serve the country by leveraging their enriched experiences and vast expertise that they gain in the United States,” Masood Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, said in a December 3, 2023, virtual meeting with some 50 Pakistani students representing 15 leading universities and colleges across the US under the umbrella of the Pakistani Students Association Coalition (PSAC). “You are a force multiplier in cementing Pak-US ties, bringing the peoples of the two countries closer and projecting the true image of Pakistan. You are a valuable asset for the country and for Pak-US relations.”
PSAC is the largest coalition of Pakistani students with its members representing a diverse array of renowned US educational institutes including Brooklyn, Queens, Hunter College, Baruch College, City College, Columbia University, Harvard University, UC Berkeley, Swarthmore College, Minerva University, Syracuse University, among others.
Lauding the initiative of PSAC in uniting Pakistani students’ associations under one umbrella, thus fostering a stronger and broader community of Pakistani students, Ambassador Khan noted the students “primary purpose” is to “excel” in their chosen fields. “This can never be ignored,” he asserted. “But your secondary and equally important responsibility is to imbibe the rich educational ambience inside the campus, outside of campus, across campuses of the United States,” while cautioning them to “respect the law of the land and respect the norms of the hosts.”
He also praised various initiatives being taken by the coalition towards promoting the cultural heritage of Pakistan and bringing the people of the two countries closer to each other. “You project the real image of Pakistan,” he pointed out, noting that, in light of misperceptions about Pakistan and its people, the students could be instrumental in showcasing the strength of the Pakistani nation.
“Each one of you is an ambassador in your own environment and in your social groups,” he said. “Your conduct would reflect on our image as a nation. This is a huge responsibility that you need to be cognizant of.”
The ambassador also briefed the students on the upward trajectory of Pak-US relations and various areas of cooperation between the two countries including trade ties and efforts to tap the economic potential of the relationship.
Responding to a question by a student, Ambassador Khan advised the students to make their mark in their studies, contribute their share towards cementing Pak-US ties and also to invest back in Pakistan.
“You’re the future of Pakistan,” he insisted. “Connect with the youth of Pakistan. Try to understand their concerns. Try to synthesize their aspirations and translate them into policy at different levels.”
The ambassador also urged the students who would soon be stepping into practical life to maintain a close liaison with leading Pakistani-American organizations of professionals and entrepreneurs including the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) and the Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs of North America (OPEN) for better networking and professional opportunities.
The ambassador thanked PSAC President Areeb Shahid for facilitating the meeting and assured every possible assistance to the coalition in advancing its objectives and agenda.
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
