U.S. Embassy, Press Office

APRIL 30, 2024 Islamabad: In a display of support for Pakistan ahead of the highly anticipated T20 Cricket World Cup 2024, U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome hosted the Pakistan National Team Cricket players for a meet-and-greet at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad on April 29. The Ambassador welcomed the national team players and accompanying Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi at his residence and extended his best wishes to the players for their upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup matches in the United States. In dual gestures of sports diplomacy, Ambassador Blome presented the team members with a commemorative embassy cricket ball and autographed softball bat; the Pakistani team reciprocated by presenting the Ambassador with a signed cricket bat and team jersey. The Ambassador then participated in an impromptu cricket demonstration with members of the National Team. The United States is set to make history this June by hosting the T20 Cricket World Cup for the very first time. Adding to the excitement, both Pakistan and the United States have been slated to play within the same group stage and will compete in a highly anticipated matchup scheduled for June 6.

U.S. and Pakistani Officials Engage to Improve Trade and Investment

U.S. and Pakistani Officials Engage to Improve Trade and Investment The below is attributable to Acting U.S. Mission Spokesperson Thomas

Montgomery: The United States and Pakistan held an intersessional meeting under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) on April 25. U.S. and Pakistani officials discussed a broad range of areas to enhance the bilateral trade and investment relationship. The dialogue focused on good regulatory practices, digital trade, the protection of intellectual property, women’s economic empowerment, labor, textiles, investment, and agricultural issues, which included progress on access for U.S. biotechnology products and beef. Coming on the heels of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurengzeb’s visit to the United States, engagements like the TIFA are key to moving forward on our shared goals of deepening the economic bilateral relationship and furthering the prosperity of working people in both countries. The United States has long been Pakistan’s largest export market, with potential for further growth. In 2023, the United States imported $5 billion in Pakistani goods, while overall, U.S.-Pakistan goods trade measured $7 billion. The United States has also been a leading investor in Pakistan for the past 20 years and more than 80 U.S. companies currently operate in Pakistan, supplying high quality goods to the Pakistani market and employing hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis.

As-prepared Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Blome at the Inauguration Ceremony of Balochistan Police Training College

Balochistan House Islamabad AMBASSADOR BLOME: A-Salaam-o-alaykum and good afternoon. Thank you, Chief Minister and Inspector General, for your hospitality and your thoughtful remarks. Today, we celebrate the inauguration of the new Police Training College campus in Quetta, a four-year, $5.35 million dollar partnership funded by the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Section. The seven new and four renovated buildings not only triple the Police Training College’s capacity, but they also ensure new recruits and officers will receive the high-quality, skills-based training they need to deploy in some of Pakistan’s most challenging areas. With the completion of this new facility, the men and women trained at PTC Quetta will be far better prepared than their predecessors to address the tremendous risks and challenges they face every day in the line of duty. In addition, we have scheduled delivery of $900,000 worth of radio communication equipment and 35 mine detectors, and recently provided $700,000 worth of vehicles and $195,000 worth of blast suppression equipment, all of which will greatly enhance operations and security across the province. Beyond this training center, we have helped Pakistan secure its borders, fight narcotics trafficking, and combat terrorism. INL has provided lifesaving protective equipment, improved law enforcement training curriculum, built and upgraded police stations, and helped ensure gender-inclusive policing. Taken together, these actions make Pakistan safer, stronger, and more secure. I want to recognize the special effort to recruit more women police, create gender desks in police stations, and increase facilities to serve women and underserved communities. Last year, Balochistan Police officer Zarghoona Manzoor was recognized for a worldwide leadership award at an international conference for women police. Zarghoona, formerly a stay-at-home mother, joined the force after her husband was killed serving in the Balochistan Police. She now leads Balochistan’s first women’s police station. Women officers like Zarghoona improve the entire force’s operational effectiveness and efficiency and enhance the quality of service offered to all Pakistanis, especially those from underrepresented communities. I am impressed by Balochistan’s success in attracting almost 20 percent women in a recent recruiting drive, and the number of policewomen in service has doubled since 2022. PTC-Quetta’s new facilities for women police recruits will enable further progress toward realizing this vision. Inspector General, I commend your personal leadership in this area. I would be remiss if I did not highlight that our partnership extends beyond security cooperation. We are committed to working with Pakistan to address the economic, environmental, and energy challenges of our time. INL-funded the solarization of seven of PTC Quetta’s buildings, as well as the solar-powered lights on walkways inside campus, and on the campus’ boundary wall, which align with our broader efforts through the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework to promote clean, renewable energy and climate resilience. In closing, I would underscore that all the work our countries do together – on trade, investment, clean energy, education, and climate change – is predicated on a solid foundation of security and rule of law. We are proud of this partnership. It is making demonstrable progress in strengthening Pakistan’s ability to protect and secure its borders and provide safety and security for its citizens. And we will continue to stand with you as you work to further strengthen community policing that provides the security environment needed to ensure peace, progress, and prosperity for the Pakistani people. Thank you.

Eid Mubarak from the US Ambassador Bloome.

Eid Mubarak from US Consulate in Karachi

Amidst the vibrant hustle and bustle of Karachi's Jama Cloth Market, officials from the United States Consulate General in Karachi extended warm greetings to all Pakistanis for a Happy Chaand Raat on Tuesday night as they joined in the Eidul Fitr shopping frenzy. Earlier in the evening, the authorities had officially announced the sighting of the Shawwal moon in Pakistan, signaling that the nation would celebrate Eidul Fitr on Wednesday, April 10th. Eidul Fitr carries immense cultural and religious significance for Muslims worldwide, marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramazan, characterised by fasting, prayer, and introspection. In Pakistan, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, as families come together to exchange greetings, share meals, and extend acts of charity to the less fortunate. In anticipation of the Eid festivities, the government has declared three-day holidays from April 10th to April 12th for offices following a five-day workweek, and a four-day break from April 10th to April 13th for those with a six-day workweek. Also read: Shawwal moon sighted, nation to celebrate Eidul Fitr today In a heartwarming gesture, the US Consulate General in Karachi shared their experience of partaking in the local traditions. "Like all of you, we also ventured into the colourful bazaars of Karachi to immerse ourselves in the joy of Chaand Raat and Eid shopping. And this time, we chose Karachi's renowned Jama Cloth Market!" a post on their social media pages read. At the bustling market, Consul General Conrad Tribble and diplomats Heather and Anna Maria enthusiastically joined fellow shoppers in selecting colourful earrings, sparkly bangles, and beautiful shoes for themselves and their loved ones. "Thanks to the incredible variety of stalls at Jama Cloth Market, we were able to purchase many essential items for Eid. Karachi once again demonstrated that it is a city of lights and splendor!" the post exclaimed. The consulate general further engaged with their audience, inviting them to share their own Eid shopping experiences. "Have you also shopped for Meethi Eid? What is your favourite place to shop? Let us know by commenting below!" they asked, fostering a sense of community and celebration among their followers.

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Secretary Blinken reaffirmed our commitment to a robust partnership between the United States and Pakistan that advances the prosperity of both nations. Secretary Blinken stressed the importance of continued cooperation on counterterrorism, expanding our trade and investment partnership, and advancing women’s economic security and empowerment.

Pakistani President Honors USAID Administrator Samantha Power with Prestigious Award

Islamabad, Pakistan—On the occasion of Pakistan Day, March 23, 2024, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan bestowed the prestigious 'Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam' (Leadership) award on USAID Administrator Samantha Power for her leadership in supporting Pakistan during the devastating floods of 2022. This significant event, held in Islamabad, symbolized the profound partnership between the United States and Pakistan and their shared commitment to progress and collaboration. Former USAID Deputy Mission Director, Michael Rossman, was also recognized with an award. Accepting the award on behalf of the Administrator, USAID Mission Director, Kate Somvongsiri, acknowledged the significance of the honor. Also, in a video message, Administrator Power expressed her gratitude, underscoring the pivotal role of USAID in supporting Pakistan during challenging times. She reiterated USAID's steadfast commitment to standing with Pakistan, guiding it through the recovery process and toward a brighter future. She also thanked the people of Pakistan for recognizing the enduring partnership between the two nations. During the 2022 floods, the United States, led by USAID, was crucial to the emergency response. The U.S. contribution, totaling over $215 million, was further bolstered by significant donations exceeding $37 million from private American citizens and companies. This collective effort enabled the delivery of vital supplies, emergency shelter, clean water, food, and medicines to affected communities. Beyond immediate relief, USAID has continued to support Pakistan in long-term disaster resilience and food security initiatives. Their projects, focusing on water management, climate-smart agriculture, and climate adaptation finance, are a testament to their commitment to building a more resilient and prosperous future for vulnerable communities in Pakistan.

U.S. Ambassador Blome’s Meeting with Finance Minister Aurangzeb

U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome met today with the Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss further U.S. cooperation and support for Pakistan’s efforts to meet its reform targets, including improvement of the country’s tax administration and investment climate. Ambassador Blome noted the U.S. government’s support for Pakistan’s work with the IMF to complete its current Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). Ambassador Blome underscored his commitment to expanding further U.S.-Pakistan economic cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

U.S. Ambassador Blome’s Meeting with Prime Minister Sharif The below is attributable to Acting U.S. Mission Spokesperson Thomas Montgomery: U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome met today with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, including partnering with the Government of Pakistan on regional security, U.S. support for continued economic reforms with and through the IMF, trade and investment, education, climate change, and private sector-led economic growth. Ambassador Blome expressed U.S. support for Pakistan’s democracy and the key role of an independent press. The Ambassador and Prime Minister also discussed how both countries can work together to accelerate projects addressing climate change under the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance framework.

U.S. Embassy Empowers 150 Women to Launch Entrepreneurial Journeys Islamabad – March 9, 2024: The U.S. Embassy launched the fourth Pakistan cohort of its “Academy for Women Entrepreneurs” (AWE) program at the Lincoln Reading Lounge at the National Library of Pakistan. Bettina Malone, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, launched this year’s cohort of the AWE which is set to empower 150 participants from Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi. The AWE program is an entrepreneurship program that includes peer-to-peer learning and local mentorship, to help participants build their own businesses and seek innovative scaling opportunities. This worldwide U.S. Department of State training program supports women across the globe in building their own businesses, harnessing the power of public-private sponsors, local partnerships, and U.S. Exchange Alumni networks to help their businesses grow. AWE is driving prosperity in communities in more than 100 countries. In Pakistan this program is empowering women to realize their economic potential and increase prosperity for all. During her remarks, Malone spoke about the need to support women entrepreneurs noting, “When women are successful, communities prosper, and countries thrive.” With mentoring and guidance from established Pakistani entrepreneurs, the 150 participants in AWE 2024 will undertake a rigorous three-month online training program developed by Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and American natural resource company Freeport McMoran. Through AWE, participants learn core business skills and meet weekly to discuss what they are learning with experienced local mentors and U.S. experts. AWE is designed to cultivate entrepreneurial know-how, help women entrepreneurs connect with funding opportunities, enhance opportunities for business expansion, and increase the likelihood of entrepreneurial success. Five of the U.S. Mission to Pakistan’s Lincoln Corners in Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi will lead AWE Pakistan 2024 with support from the Pakistan American Cultural Center. Toward the end of their AWE journey, participants will have the opportunity to compete for seed funding from the U.S. Mission to Pakistan to further grow or establish their enterprises. Upon completion, participants will join the global AWE network, which offers further growth opportunities, as well as the community of U.S. exchange program alumni. To learn more about AWE, please visit: https://eca.state.gov/awe or see the attached factsheet.