Ambassador Masood Khan Bids Farewell to Washington, DC
By Elaine Pasquini
Photo by Phil Pasquini

Washington: As he prepares to leave his post as Pakistan’s envoy to the United States, Ambassador Masood Khan gave a heartfelt video message on June 30, 2024.

“Since March 2022, together we have tried to build strong Pakistan-United States relations,” Ambassador Khan said. “In this endeavor, I am grateful for the immense support given to us by our American friends from the administration, Congress, state governments and assemblies, international financial institutions, think tanks, media, civil society, and the private sector, as well as the diaspora community.”

“We must persevere in our efforts to strengthen Pakistan-United States relations, despite periodic ups and downs,” he continued. “A robust relationship between our two nations is a work in progress, backed by a history of nearly 77 years.”

Extending his gratitude for the support and understanding of the Pakistani-American community, he said they have become a “pillar of strength and a connective tissue for resilient Pakistan-US partnerships.”

Ambassador Khan also expressed his indebtedness to the influential Pakistani-American professional organizations that have helped him on behalf of Pakistan “navigate through challenging but promising landscapes” with the United States, a steadfast and longtime ally of his country.

From traveling around the country meeting local government officials, as well as ordinary American citizens and members of Pakistan’s large diaspora community in the US, during his two-year posting the energetic and popular ambassador has met with myriad members of the US Congress, the State Department and other agencies as well as hosting cultural and musical get-togethers on a regular basis at the elegant Embassy and Pakistan House. He also has been a guest speaker and enjoyed countless interviews at Washington’s numerous think tanks and policy institutes.

In conclusion, Ambassador Khan said: “I am confident that you would extend full support to my successor. As I leave, I wish you all success and prosperity. Have faith in Pakistan and keep nurturing Pakistan-United States ties.”

(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)