Friends of Pakistan Hosts Meet and Greet with Duncan Wood of Pacific Council
By Sadia Sohail
In collaboration with the Consulate General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, Friends of Pakistan (FOP) organized a meet and greet event with Dr Duncan Wood, President of the Pacific Council, at the consulate.
The event was attended by prominent community members, including Jamal Khawaja, President FOP; Arif Zaffar Mansuri, Chairman FOP; Ms Abida Ahmed, Secretary FOP; and members of the FOP executive board. Consul General Asim Ali Khan and Commercial Counselor Quratulain Fatima also graced the occasion. Both special guests delivered informative speeches, studded with valuable information, on strengthening Pakistan-US business ties.
Dr Duncan Wood has made his mark in international relations and is widely recognized as an expert in public policy with major contributions in the last 35 years. His spotlight is on geopolitics, energy, critical mineral supply chains, Mexican politics, and US-Mexico relations. His opinion and expertise matter. No wonder he has presented testimony before the US Congress and is frequently cited by media outlets for his insightful analysis of global trends.
Dr Wood has an impressive academic and professional portfolio, having authored or edited 12 books and contributed to over 30 scholarly articles and book chapters. His work focuses on energy policy, geopolitical challenges, and fostering stronger ties between Mexico and the United States.
Arif Mansuri, the Master of Ceremonies and the Chairman of FOP, initiated the proceedings by welcoming the attendees and highlighting the multifarious contributions of Dr Wood. He acknowledged the Pacific Council’s strivings to foster internationalism and connect local experiences to global issues. Mansuri highlighted the council’s focus on empowering individuals and organizations in the Los Angeles area to become leaders in global affairs.
He further shared that he and FOP President Jamal Khawaja are proud members of the Pacific Council, contributing to its discussions on important topics such as immigration, global warming, and innovation. He emphasized that real change begins with the hard work of individuals.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Wood expressed his gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him by the FOP executive board and appreciated the shawl presented to him as a token of love and affection. He shared his admiration for Pakistani culture and appeared overwhelmed by the appreciation and joy he experienced during the event.
Dr Wood praised Los Angeles for its vibrant and diverse culture and expressed his desire to work closely with the Pakistani Consulate. He announced plans to collaborate with the Pakistani community on trade initiatives and revealed his intention to lead a delegation to Pakistan to explore trade opportunities. He concluded by expressing his delight in meeting members of the FOP.
In his remarks, FOP President Jamal Khawaja shared the organization’s mission, stating that Friends of Pakistan strives to play a catalytic role in improving the lot of the community. He clarified that FOP does not engage in Pakistani politics but aims to assist the community in leveraging resources available in the US. Khawaja emphasized the importance of promoting Pakistani businesses, helping them grow, and facilitating trade opportunities. He also highlighted the community-focused initiatives of FOP, noting that the organization extends its support to anyone in need, not just Pakistani Americans.
He praised the Consul General of Pakistan, Mr Asim Ali Khan, for his outstanding efforts in supporting the community with visas and other essential services. Khawaja assured the Pacific Council of FOP’s commitment to collaborate on initiatives aligned with their shared goals.
After the conclusion of the formal program, the attendees were treated to a high tea reception that included delectable Pakistani cuisine. The delicious offerings were provided by Friends of Pakistan, adding a cultural touch to the event and fostering a warm and engaging atmosphere.
