Youth & professionals vital link for future Pakistan-US relations: Masood Khan

Washington DC, 6 January 2023 (TDI): The Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States (US), Masood Khan welcomed a cohort of young Pakistani students to the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC.

The students are currently visiting the US under Global Undergraduate Program (UGRAD). 51 students attended the ceremony. The visiting students would attend 47 different US institutions spread across 30 states.

The visiting cohort is representing all regions of Pakistan, including AJK, Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Baluchistan, and the capital territory. They are mostly from underserved areas.

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Among the students 61% are girls. It demonstrates the two governments’ commitment to women’s empowerment and providing them with more opportunities to excel in life.

Remarks by Masood Khan

While addressing the welcoming ceremony, Masood Khan said that Youth and professionals are shaping up the future of Pak-US relations.

He added, “There are nearly 1000 professionals, government officials, civil society activists, & journalists who come to the US annually.”

“They visit under various exchange programs and are helping in forging strong ties between the two countries. Pakistan is one of the US government’s largest education exchange programs portfolio globally.” The Ambassador noted.

He stated that these programs offer our students a one-of-a-kind opportunity not only to gain advanced knowledge at renowned universities.

Masood Khan thanked the US State Department for its commitment & implementation of educational exchange programs with Pakistan.

Ambassador Khan congratulated young students on their selection for the Program through a competitive and transparent process.

Along these lines, he said, “The unique experience of studying in the US in STEM, social sciences, humanities, and other disciplines would help harness the potential & hone the skills. It will provide an opportunity to learn about American culture.”

It is pertinent to note that the ceremony was attended by the Director Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the US Department of State, Molly Stephenson & Deputy Director of the Office of the Academic Exchange Programs Steve Money.