New York, 17 July 2026 (Ghufran): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, engaged with the Pakistani-American community during a reception hosted by the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, reaffirming the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with overseas Pakistanis and encouraging their active participation in the country’s economic development. The event was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, former Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan, and a large number of distinguished members of the Pakistani-American community. In his welcome address, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh highlighted the positive momentum in Pakistan–United States relations and underscored the significant role of the Pakistani-American community in further deepening bilateral cooperation. He acknowledged the community’s valuable contributions in promoting Pakistan’s interests and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Former Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan praised the unwavering commitment of overseas Pakistanis toward the country’s progress. He emphasized that the Pakistani diaspora continues to play a vital role in supporting Pakistan’s economy through investments, remittances, and knowledge sharing, and encouraged greater engagement in national development initiatives.Delivering the keynote address, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal outlined Pakistan’s improving economic outlook and highlighted the Government’s comprehensive reform agenda aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, enhancing investor confidence, and achieving sustainable economic growth.
The Minister presented “Uraan Pakistan” as the Government’s strategic roadmap for national transformation, built upon key pillars including export-led growth, innovation, digital transformation, climate resilience, human development, and the promotion of a knowledge-based economy. He emphasized that overseas Pakistanis are indispensable partners in realizing this vision and invited them to contribute through investment, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, innovation, and academic collaboration. Professor Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the continued support of the Pakistani-American community in strengthening Pakistan–United States relations and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining close engagement with overseas Pakistanis. He assured the community that the Government remains dedicated to creating a conducive environment for investment, innovation, and long-term economic partnerships. The interactive session concluded with a vibrant exchange of views, during which members of the Pakistani-American community shared their perspectives and reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to Pakistan’s sustainable and inclusive development.