Washington (TDI): Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, highlighted that the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the US and emphasized as entering a new phase defined by long-term economic engagement and geo-economic cooperation.
Speaking at a dinner hosted in honor of a high-level Pakistani business delegation attending the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026, he emphasized that strong political and economic ties between the two nations are no longer optional but represent a “pressing need of the time.”
Ambassador Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s strategically important location, noting that recent regional disruptions in the Middle East have led to increased commercial traffic and activity at Karachi Port. The increase reflects the Pakistan’s role as a key trade and logistics hub.
The Ambassador urged the business communities of both nations to fully leverage Pakistan’s geographical advantages and the emerging opportunities in sectors such as Information Technology, minerals, energy and artificial intelligence.
Read More: Middle East Conflict Poses Risks to Pakistan Economy: SBP
The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, S. Paul Kapur, also addressed the gathering acknowledging that while the relationship has experienced historical “ups and downs” its importance has remained consistent throughout every era.
He also stressed on the “immense opportunities” for growth under the current administration and saying that as friends and partners, both countries must work proactively to translate these possibilities into concrete economic outcomes.
The Pakistani delegation, comprised of 16 prominent business leaders, participated in the SelectUSA Summit in National Harbor, Maryland from 3-6 May. The event serves as the U.S government’s premier platform for attracting foreign direct investment.
Diplomatic observers view these engagements as part of Pakistan’s broader “economically entrenched strategic partnership” strategy, aimed at diversifying ties beyond security-centric dynamics.
With both Islamabad and Washington signaling a commitment to utilizing existing economic capacities, 2026 is being framed by officials as a pivotal “year of action” for bilateral trade and investment.
Muhammad Usman Hashmi is a researcher in International Relations, focusing on climate diplomacy, global governance, and political economy in the Global South. He has contributed to policy dialogues with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia and serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the International Council on Human Rights, Peace and Politics. He is also associated with Rethinking Economics Islamabad, contributing to research on development and sustainability.
