Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh's Exclusive Interview with Pakistan Link/Urdu Link and The Mansuri Show

 

Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, His Excellency Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, recently visited Northern California. This was his first visit to Silicon Valley since assuming charge at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, D.C., in August 2024. During this visit, he gave an exclusive interview to Pakistan Link/Urdu Link and The Mansuri Show on ARY Digital TV. The following is an account of that insightful interview, conducted by Arif Zaffar Mansuri, host of The Mansuri Show and Managing Editor of Pakistan Link/Urdu Link.

Ambassador Sheikh is a career diplomat with over 30 years of experience. His recent roles include serving as the Additional Foreign Secretary for the Middle East, where he played a pivotal role in advancing Pakistan's international relations and promoting economic opportunities. Notably, he was Pakistan's first representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and previously served as the Deputy Head of Mission at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he has represented Pakistan at the United Nations in Geneva. Throughout his distinguished career, Ambassador Sheikh has significantly contributed to the global economy, human rights advocacy, and Pakistan’s national security policy. His expertise has been sought by renowned institutions such as Harvard and Emory, where he has shared insights on global economic trends and human rights issues.

Mansuri:
Mr. Ambassador, I would like to begin by asking about your current visit to the Bay Area, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley. I understand you are here for several days with multiple engagements. As this is your first visit to Northern California as the Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, could you please share the focus and objectives of your visit?

Ambassador Sheikh:
The primary focus of my visit is to participate in the inaugural Pakistan IT Investment Conference, scheduled for November 10th. Since I was coming to attend this pioneering event, I thought it would be valuable to arrive a day or two early to connect with the local community, academia, and think tanks. As a new ambassador, it is part of my responsibility to engage with the Pakistani diaspora and rally their support. The Pakistani community in the United States is nearly a million strong, with a significant concentration in California, both in the northern and southern regions.

Our collaboration with California, the world's fourth-largest economy, dates back to the early days of Pakistan. Institutions like UC Davis played a pivotal role in the Green Revolution by partnering with Pakistan's agricultural sector.

Looking ahead, Pakistan’s most promising resource is its youthful population and burgeoning IT sector. Northern California—particularly Silicon Valley—is globally recognized as the hub of information technology. This conference is the first of its kind, and we intend to replicate it in other parts of the United States in the future. The goal is to strengthen economic partnerships, trade, investment, and commercial relations between Pakistan and the United States. We believe the IT sector will play a major role in achieving this.

Mansuri:
You rightly mentioned that Silicon Valley is the epicenter of the IT industry. The Pakistan-U.S. Tech Investment Conference is just a few days away. Could you share more details about the conference's objectives and what you hope to achieve?

Ambassador Sheikh:
The primary objective of this conference is to showcase Pakistan's potential in the IT sector. As I mentioned, Pakistan is a youthful nation, producing over 35,000 IT graduates annually. With 65% of our population under the age of 35, our potential to integrate into the global IT landscape is immense and offers mutual benefits for both Pakistan and the United States.

For instance, in IT outsourcing, Pakistan is 70% more cost-effective compared to the United States. What we need to improve upon is our market access and branding. This conference aims not only to highlight but also to "show off" our IT capabilities and establish meaningful connections with stakeholders in the U.S.

Unlike traditional conferences that are limited to speeches and panel discussions, we are bringing actual IT projects from Pakistan—numbering in the double digits—to showcase. These are all Pakistani products and projects. While they have potential clients and markets in different parts of the world, each of these projects originates in Pakistan and has a clear Pakistan connection. These projects will seek technical expertise, funding, and strategic partnerships from Silicon Valley's ecosystem. This approach aims to catalyze our branding and solidify our place in the global IT market.

Mansuri:
That’s incredible. Pakistan has great potential, and I'm glad you're tapping into it. Mr. Ambassador, as you know, in the recent U.S. elections, the Republican Party has been victorious, and Donald Trump is set to become the 47th President of the United States. Additionally, the Republican Party has secured a majority in the Senate, and it's likely they will also hold a majority in Congress. How do you see this development, and what impact do you think it might have on U.S.-Pakistan relations?

Ambassador Sheikh:
First, let me congratulate the American people on the successful completion of their electoral process. For Pakistan, a long-standing partner of the United States, it is gratifying to see this process unfold smoothly.

As you mentioned, the Republican Party now holds a clear majority. We look forward to working with the new administration once it takes office on January 20th. Our aim is to advance bilateral ties, with a particular emphasis on economic cooperation. We have ongoing collaborations in areas such as climate change, energy, healthcare, education, and trade.

History has shown that when Pakistan and the United States work together, the results are significant—not just for our two nations but for the world at large, particularly in areas like counter-terrorism. We face common challenges, such as climate change. The United States deals with hurricanes, while Pakistan experienced catastrophic floods two years ago. Addressing these challenges requires joint efforts for the benefit of both our peoples and the world.

Mansuri:
Mr. Ambassador, the United States has expressed concern over Pakistan's close ties with China and its relationships with other countries. How does Pakistan navigate these relationships, and what can you say to address U.S. concerns while maintaining an independent foreign policy?

Ambassador Sheikh:
Pakistan played a pivotal role in bringing the United States and China together in the early 1970s. We provided the diplomatic corridor that facilitated dialogue between the two largest economies in the world. Without Pakistan’s role, that historic connection may not have happened.

Our geography gives us a unique position to maintain strong relationships with both China and the United States. We have longstanding, robust ties with China, while the United States remains our largest trading partner. This is not a binary choice between the two countries. Pakistan has the sovereign right to foster good relations with all nations.

Just as we facilitated diplomatic engagement in the 1970s, today we offer an economic corridor that can benefit both the U.S. and China. We aim to develop each of these relationships independently. Our diaspora in the U.S. is an asset, and during my tenure, I plan to work closely with the community to engage corporate America, political leaders, and state governments, such as those in California. These relationships, given their history and strategic significance, can flourish on their own merits.

Mansuri:
As U.S.-Pakistan relations continue to evolve, there is greater emphasis on private-sector collaboration. Which sectors do you believe offer the greatest opportunities for economic ties?

Ambassador Sheikh:
I have already highlighted the IT sector as a major area for future cooperation. Pakistan is both cost-effective and competitive in quality, with strengths in cybersecurity, AI, e-commerce, and fintech. These areas hold immense potential for partnership.

Climate change is another critical area. Through the Green Alliance initiative, we can address environmental challenges together. Just as Pakistan partnered with the U.S. to combat terrorism, we now face a joint challenge in fighting climate change.

Agriculture is also promising, given Pakistan’s agrarian economy. We are currently finalizing investment opportunities with GCC countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. With a strong Pakistani diaspora in the U.S., I am optimistic about attracting American investment. The U.S. has historically been a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan, and we believe we can revive those partnerships in sectors like agriculture, mining, energy, IT, and infrastructure. The profit-driven relocation of industries to Pakistan demonstrates our competitive advantage, and U.S. investors can similarly benefit from these opportunities.

Mansuri:
Education has long been a cornerstone of U.S.-Pakistan collaboration. How can initiatives like an education corridor or exchange programs strengthen cultural and economic ties?

Ambassador Sheikh:
An education corridor is a significant initiative between our countries. Pakistan is already the largest single-country beneficiary of the U.S. Fulbright program, with over 40,000 alumni. This strong foundation gives us every reason to expand this partnership.

Education is one of the most valuable offerings the U.S. can provide. We are preparing a new roadmap for educational collaboration, and I intend to strengthen this partnership during my tenure. Challenges such as student visa facilitation need to be addressed, and we are working with U.S. partners on these issues.

In addition to increasing the number of Pakistani students in U.S. institutions, we aim to foster collaborations between universities in both countries. This would create a mutually beneficial scenario, promoting cultural exchange and economic growth.

Mansuri:
In today’s global economy, governments are often seen as facilitators rather than leaders in business initiatives. What role does the Pakistan government play in fostering U.S.-Pakistan business connections, and what strategies could attract investments?

Ambassador Sheikh:
As you mentioned, the government’s role is that of a facilitator. Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership, there is a consensus that "government has no business doing business."

We aim to facilitate connections between U.S. corporations and Pakistan’s private sector. Business councils and Pakistani chambers of commerce in various U.S. states, such as Texas, play a key role in this outreach. We will leverage our diaspora to connect with corporate America and promote Pakistan’s value propositions for foreign direct investment.

If China and GCC countries find it profitable to invest in Pakistan, the United States can also benefit from the opportunities we offer. We seek mutually beneficial economic ties that capitalize on our strengths.

Mansuri:
The Pakistani American community has significantly contributed to both the U.S. and Pakistan. How do you envision their role in enhancing U.S.-Pakistan relations, and what initiatives could empower them further?

Ambassador Sheikh:
With a million-strong diaspora, the Pakistani American community is a major asset. I intend to work closely with them to enhance economic, political, and cultural ties. In my recent community interactions, I have solicited their support in advancing bilateral relations.

The community’s contributions strengthen their identity in the U.S., and by working together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes. During my tenure, I will strive to ensure the community is actively involved in fostering U.S.-Pakistan relations.

Mansuri:
You previously served as Deputy Head of Mission and now return as Ambassador. In an earlier interview, you humorously noted that it’s a very responsible position since the responsibility falls on your shoulders if anything goes wrong. How do you feel about your current assignment?

Ambassador Sheikh:
This role carries even more responsibility than before. The Pakistani American community is my principal partner and strengthening U.S.-Pakistan relations benefits both nations and the diaspora. Solidifying this relationship also fortifies the community’s identity in the U.S.

Mansuri:
Earlier tonight, you attended a dinner organized by Friends of Pakistan in your honor, attended by prominent members of the Pakistani American community. What are your thoughts on that event?

Ambassador Sheikh:
It was a wonderful evening filled with candid conversations and camaraderie. We discussed various issues affecting the community and U.S.-Pakistan relations. Friends of Pakistan is an excellent organization working apolitically to enhance economic ties. Their vision is inspiring, and I wish them continued success as they expand to new chapters across the U.S.

Mansuri:
In achieving your goals as Ambassador, how can the community support you, and what message would you like to share with them through Pakistan Link/Urdu Link and the Mansuri Show?

Ambassador Sheikh:
My message is simple yet profound: Sirf Pakistan صرف پاکستان (Only Pakistan). These words encapsulate our mission. Let’s not just use this as a hashtag—let’s act on it. Together, we can strengthen ties by engaging corporate America, state governments, and political leaders to advance our mutual interests.