WASHINGTON – US lawmakers stressed the importance of US-Pakistan relationsin their messages on the 71th Anniversary of the country’s Independence,saying that Pakistan was crucial to American interests in South Asia.
Those who sent messages included Governor Jeff Colyer of Kansas , SenatorGary Peters, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman House Foreign AffairsCommittee, Rep. J. Luis Correa (D-CA), member of the House’s HomelandSecurity, Rep. Brad Sherman and Ranking Member of House Foreign AffairsSubcommittee on Asia.
Gov. Colyer in his message extended sincerest greetings and said that suchmomentous occasions are a time to pay reverence to the memories of yournational past, and to keep building up the friendships of the present. Hewished a safe and joyous time of reflection, celebration and friendship.
Rep. Ed Royce, Chairman House Foreign Affairs Committee, said that theUnited States and Pakistan have a long history of cooperation. “As Chairmanand a longtime member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I have hadthe opportunity to travel throughout Pakistan, and have been touched by thewarmth of the people and their friendship,” he added.
Chairman Royce said that there was no greater bridge between Pakistan andthe US than the Pakistani Diaspora, adding that this community has longkept me and others informed about U.S.-Pakistan relations, nurturinggreater cooperation between the two countries.
Rep. J. Luis Correa said that the U.S.-Pakistan relationship is of greatimportance to the longevity and prosperity of our two nations. “As a memberof the Department of Homeland Security Committee, I greatly appreciate theinvaluable friendship our countries share.”
He said that Pakistan’s central role in the security and stability of SouthAsia is crucial to American interests in that region. ”The United Statesenjoys a multifaceted relationship with thepeople of Pakistan, encompassing a wide scope of fields,” he added.
Eulogizing the Pakistani-American community, he said that it is a sharedbond between the two countries. Pakistani-Americans are esteemed members ofour communities and shining examples of the American Dream, he added.
Senator Gary Peters said that founded in 1947, under the leadership ofMuhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan is a nation with a diverse cultural heritageand rich history. He said he appreciates the opportunity to join the nationin celebrating the 71st Anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence.
Rep. Brad Sherman, Ranking Member of House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee onAsia, appreciated the the significance of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship aswell as the importance of the friendship between the two countries, thehistory of cooperation, and Pakistan’s role as an ally during the Cold War.
“I am committed to strengthening our bilateral relations and advancing ourshared interests,” he said while adding that Pakistan’s policies werepivotal to the stability of South Asia and to American interests in thatregion.
He said that the U.S. has a broad-based relationship with the people ofPakistan in areas ranging from education and health to energy and trade todemocracy.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Embassy in Washington hosted an event to mark thecountry’s Independence Day. Those who attended included the Ambassador ofSri Lanka and US State Department’s Deputy Assistance Secretary of StateAlice Wells.
Ambassador Ali Jehangir Siddiqui thanked the distinguished guests and thelarge number of Pakistani American community who attended the function.
World renowned Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan presented his popularsongs that energized the entire audience which also sang with him. Heparticipated in the event as a volunteer and not as a paid singer to payhomage to his motherland.
Deputy Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh said that the embassy has instituted theMedal of Excellence award to acknowledge outstanding services and theembassy was glad to offer the first award to the legendary singer RahatFateh Ali Khan. – APP