Islamabad, 25 August 2023 (TDI): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) held a ceremony on August 24 to issue a commemorative coin of 75 rupees, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the USA.
Notable attendees included Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, Foreign Secretary for Pakistan, as the Chief Guest, and Donald Blome, the US Ambassador to Pakistan, as the Guest of Honor.
Governor Jameel Ahmad of SBP extended appreciation to both the Foreign Secretary and the US Ambassador in his welcome address. He highlighted that the issuance of the commemorative coin signifies the significance of collaboration between sovereign nations for their shared progress.
He emphasized the crucial economic bonds linking the two countries, spanning trade, Foreign Direct Investments, finance, and remittances.
Moreover, he praised the profound people-to-people rapport existing between the nations across diverse spheres of life, especially within the realm of education.
The governor also highlighted the promising potential of Pakistan’s fintech sector, inviting US fintech firms to explore investment opportunities.
Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi lauded the aesthetically pleasing design of the commemorative coin. He emphasized how the symbols of Pakistan and the United States on the coin symbolize the democratic foundations shared by both nations.
Additionally, he elaborated on the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship, encompassing diverse areas such as trade, investment, defense, counter-terrorism, education, energy, climate, and health.
Read More: Pakistan issues coin to mark 70 years of Pak-German diplomatic relations
US Ambassador Donald Blome, during his address, conveyed that the coin encapsulates shared values, ideals, and the common bonds between the two nations, signifying their joint commitment to a brighter future.
He expressed gratitude to the State Bank of Pakistan for the meaningful gesture of issuing the commemorative coin. Moreover, he expressed hope for close collaboration with the Government of Pakistan.
Ambassador Blome also expressed confidence in initiatives like the US-Pakistan Green Alliance, which he believed would effectively address mutual challenges. He extended an invitation for both countries to intensify their collaboration.
Significance of 75 Rupees Coin
Starting August 25, 2023, the commemorative coin will be available through the exchange counters of SBP Banking Services Corporation. The coin is round-shaped with milled serrations on the edge and is composed of Cupro-Nickel metal.
On the obverse side of the coin, ‘The State Emblem of Government of Pakistan’ is centered, with ‘ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN’ inscribed on top, accompanied by the face value in words ‘Rs.’ and in numeral ’75’ on the left and right sides of the emblem, respectively.
Below the emblem, the years ‘1947-2022’ are depicted, symbolizing Pakistan’s independence year and the 75th Anniversary of Pak-US relations.
The reverse side features the national emblem of the United States of America, ‘The Great Seal,’ at the center. ‘UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’ is written above, and ’75 ANNIVERSARY OF US-PAK RELATIONS’ is inscribed below the emblem, with two stars on the sides.
Below the emblem, the numeral ‘1776’ represents the United States’ year of independence.
Furthermore, it was reported that the government had also issued commemorative stamps on August 11, 2023, to celebrate the 75 years of US-Pak relations. The stamp features images of Minar Pakistan and the Statue of Liberty.
In a symbolic act, Ambassador Blome and Foreign Secretary Asad Majeed Khan signed the photos of the commemorative stamp.
