“It is with the highest sense of admiration that we acknowledge your invaluable contributions that nurtured fraternal ties and partnership between our two great nations,” Ambassador Sheikh told Diana MacArthur. “Your efforts stand out as a beacon of hope and solidarity for thousands of people living in the remotest mountainous terrain of Pakistan,” he added
Diana MacArthur Honored with Tamgha-i-Khidmat Award for Contributions to Education & Development in Pakistan
By Elaine Pasquini
Washington, DC: On April 29, 2025, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, awarded the Tamgha-i-Khidmat to Diana MacArthur for her “outstanding contribution in the social sectors and for being a staunch advocate of strong US-Pakistan cooperation.”
The Tamgha-i-Khidmat is a prestigious civilian and military award conferred by the president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on outstanding individuals for their service, support and important contributions to the country.
Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), officials from the US State Department, diplomats, members of the Pakistani-American community, media representatives and Ms MacArthur’s family attended the special investiture ceremony held at the embassy of Pakistan.
A distinguished philanthropist, thought leader and entrepreneur, Ms MacArthur formerly served as CEO of Dynamac Corporation. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton to his Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and by President Lyndon B Johnson to the President’s Council on Youth Opportunity.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Sheikh commended Ms MacArthur’s invaluable services to Pakistan, including the establishment of the Centre of Educational Excellence in Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, and her nearly one-million-dollar contribution to community-wide water sanitation and solid waste management projects.
“It is with the highest sense of admiration that we acknowledge your invaluable contributions that nurtured fraternal ties and partnership between our two great nations,” stated Ambassador Sheikh. “Your efforts stand out as a beacon of hope and solidarity for thousands of people living in the remotest mountainous terrain of Pakistan.”
The ambassador also emphasized the significance of Pakistan-US relations, highlighting the “long-standing shared values and common interests between the two countries,” which are “hallmarks of a strong relationship.”
“Pakistan and the United States share a long-standing relationship built on shared values, common interests, and mutual respect, including promoting peace and security, advancing economic development, and addressing global challenges such as terrorism and climate change,” he said.
In her acceptance speech, Ms MacArthur expressed her gratitude to the government of Pakistan for bestowing this prestigious award upon her and recalled her deep-rooted personal connections with Pakistan that span 65 years.
Underscoring the importance of collective struggle, Ms MacArthur also proposed a Pakistani version of the Peace Corps.
“We have to get the job done together, to learn how to involve the resources of Pakistan and harness the talented, educated youth of the country,” she said.
Senator Ben Ray Luján praised Ms MacArthur’s unique influence across geographic, political and cultural boundaries, describing her as a steward for both the USA and Pakistan.
“She built more than just a school,” he said. “She built a bridge between two communities.”
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the US and Pakistan through the work of Ms MacArthur, Senator Luján praised her for her role in public diplomacy.
“It’s also a source of pride for me that Diana chose to have New Mexican architects, engineers and experts lend technical assistance to these efforts,” he said. “This shows how Diana fostered global cooperation between American and Pakistani professionals.”
Also speaking at the event, Glenn Blumhorst, president and CEO of the National Peace Corps Association, characterized Ms MacArthur as “a living embodiment of the highest principles.”
“Building those bridges of friendship, person-to-person, is really about building peace around the world,” Mr Blumhorst said.
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
