The Embassy of Pakistan Washington DC hosted the third annual Convention of Pakistani American Community (CPAC-2016) today. The day-long event was attended by leading members of Pakistani American community, academicians, members of civil society, community organizations, professionals, media representatives and entrepreneurs, says a press release received here today from Washington DC.
Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani during his opening remarks warmly welcomed the distinguished guests & the Special Envoys of the Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Jammu & Kashmir Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed and MNA Dr. Shazra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Jilani underscored that CPAC was an important institutional platform established under the auspices of the Pakistan Embassy. He appreciated that large number of Pakistani Americans have been attending the event every year which reflected their strong support for such activities. The Ambassador briefed the participants about the tremendous economic turnaround Pakistan has witnessed in recent years under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
He noted that almost all international financial institutions and international credit agencies have expressed confidence in our economic performance and have improved Pakistan’s credit rating. We are the 10th fastest emerging market in the world. Pakistan’s GDP has registered growth rate of 5.5% and Pakistani stock markets have outplayed many financial markets in the world. Pakistani community appreciated the impressive economic progress achieved under the successful policies of the government.
Ambassador Jilani also applauded the passing of Honor Killing Bill by the Parliament and termed it as one of the great achievements of the current Government. In realm of foreign relations, Ambassador Jilani reiterated that Pakistan was fully committed to the Prime Minister’s policy of peaceful neighborhood. He said that Pakistan had been engaged in a sustained, continuous war against terrorism. The Intelligence Based Operations within the country have broken the back of terrorism and militancy.
Ambassador Jilani also drew attention of the participants toward Pakistan’s regional challenges including India’s aggressive policies and its destabilizing role in the entire region.
He also briefed the Convention on the Pakistan-U.S. relations and the ongoing cooperation under the framework of Strategic Dialogue.
Ambassador Jilani also highlighted a community outreach program for inclusion of Pakistani American youth in the community affairs.
The Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Kashmir Senator Mushahid Hussain and MNA Dr. Shazra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the Government’s efforts on the Kashmir issue.
The speakers including State Department’s special representative to Muslim communities and Dr. Ishrat Hussain, former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, highlighted the growing importance of Pakistani American community and their positive contributions in building Pak-U.S. relations and the socio-economic development of both countries.
The participants of the Convention greatly appreciated the Embassy’s outreach efforts and drastic improvement in the services rendered by the Embassy and the Consulates General of Pakistan in the United States.
The Convention agreed on a new framework of Embassy’s engagement with the community.
PREVIOUS NEXT
