The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., hosted a reception in honor of a visiting high-level parliamentary delegation from Pakistan. The event brought together prominent members of the Pakistani American community from across the United States, fostering dialogue on bilateral relations, regional stability, and the diaspora’s pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan-U.S. ties.
In his keynote address, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized the Pakistani diaspora’s significance as a "bridge between the two nations," urging community members to contribute to the shared goal of peace and prosperity. Reflecting on recent regional tensions, he lauded the valor of Pakistan’s armed forces in defending the country against aggression and commended the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan’s global missions in effectively presenting the nation’s stance.
"Pakistan has acted as a responsible party in the conflict, and our mission remains clear: to pursue peace through dialogue and diplomacy," stated Mr. Bhutto Zardari. "We call upon the international community to join us in this endeavor. Lasting peace in South Asia hinges on comprehensive dialogue, beginning with the resolution of the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” said Mr. Bilawal.
Highlighting the economic potential of regional cooperation, he added, "A peaceful South Asia, with normalized trade between India and Pakistan, would yield immense benefits for all nations involved.
He also emphasized the distinguished service of Pakistan's military leadership, noting, "Our current military leadership earned the military honor from the battlefields while fighting against terrorism."
Mr. Mussadiq Malik, Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and member of the delegation, underscored the dangers of India’s regional ambitions, stating, "India’s doctrine is rooted in suspicion, not evidence.
“Indian military aggression has targeted civilians, including children, yet Pakistan has demonstrated resilience and triumphed in every domain of conflict," stated Mr. Mussadiq.
The attendees, including community leaders and professionals, expressed their unwavering support for Pakistan’s government and armed forces. They praised the delegation for amplifying the sentiments of Pakistanis worldwide and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Pakistan’s interests abroad.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh concluded the event by thanking the participants for their enthusiastic engagement and reaffirmed the Embassy’s dedication to fostering robust people-to-people ties. "Tonight’s productive exchange underscores the power of unity and dialogue. Together, we will continue to champion Pakistan’s narrative on the global stage," remarked Ambassador Sheikh.
The reception marked a significant step in reinforcing the bond between Pakistan’s leadership and its diaspora, while reiterating the nation’s call for peace, diplomacy, and regional cooperation.
