Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, today decorated theTamgha-i-Khidmat upon Diana MacArthur, a prestigious award conferred by the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan that recognizes Ms. MacArthur’s “outstanding contribution in the social sectors and for being a staunch advocate of strong US-Pakistan cooperation.”
The special investiture ceremony, held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., was attended by Senator Ben Ray Luján, officials from the US State Department, diplomats, members of the Pakistani American community, media representatives, and Ms. MacArthur’s family.
A distinguished philanthropist, thought leader, and entrepreneur, Diana MacArthur formerly served as CEO of Dynamac Corporation. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and by President Lyndon B. Johnson to the President’s Council on Youth Opportunity.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh commended Ms. MacArthur’s invaluable services to Pakistan, including the establishment of the Centre of Educational Excellence in Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, and her nearly one-million-dollar contribution to community-wide water sanitation and solid waste management projects.
“It is with the highest sense of admiration that we acknowledge your invaluable contributions that nurtured fraternal ties and partnership between our two great nations,” stated Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh.
“Your efforts stand out as a beacon of hope and solidarity for thousands of people living in the remotest mountainous terrain of Pakistan,” he added. Ambassador Rizwan Saeed also emphasized the significance of Pakistan-U.S. relations, highlighting the “long-standing shared values and common interests between the two countries,” which are “hallmarks of a strong relationship.”
“Pakistan and the United States share a long-standing relationship built on shared values, common interests, and mutual respect, including promoting peace and security, advancing economic development, and addressing global challenges such as terrorism and climate change,” observed the Ambassador.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Diana MacArthur expressed her gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for bestowing this prestigious award upon her and recalled her deep-rooted personal connections with Pakistan that span 65 years.
Underscoring the importance of collective struggle, Ms. MacArthur also proposed a Pakistani version of the Peace Corps.
“We have to get the job done together, to learn how to involve the resources of Pakistan and harness the talented, educated youth of the country,” said Ms. MacArthur.
Speaking to the occasion, Senator Ben Ray Luján praised Ms. Diana MacArthur’s unique influence across geographic, political, and cultural boundaries, describing her as a steward for both the USA and Pakistan.
“She built more than just a school. She built a bridge between two communities,” Senator Luján remarked.
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the US and Pakistan through the work of Diana MacArthur, Senator Ben Ray Luján praised her for her role in Public diplomacy.
“It’s also a source of pride for me that Diana chose to have New Mexican architects, engineers, and experts lend technical assistance to these efforts. This shows how Diana fostered global cooperation between American and Pakistani professionals,” added Senator Luján.
In his remarks, Mr. Glenn Blumhorst, President and CEO of the National Peace Corps Association, characterized Diana MacArthur as “a living embodiment of the highest principles.”
“Building those bridges of friendship, person to person, is really what is about building peace around the world,” said Mr. Glenn Blumhorst.
In the end, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh thanked all the participants for joining the investiture ceremony.
