Newsletter July 2021

JULY 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE 4

44TH ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS OF PAKISTANI DESCENT OF NORTH AMERICA (APPNA) CONVENTION 5 Prime Minister addresses the 44th APPNA Convention 5 Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Health leads discussion on the role of APPNA in Pakistan 6

PRIME MINISTER IN U.S. MEDIA 7 Interview with Judy Woodruff, PBS Newshour 7

PAKISTAN-U.S. RELATIONS 8 Foreign Minister speaks with U.S. Secretary of State 8 Pakistan gets 3M doses of Moderna vaccine under COVAX 8

CLIMATE CHANGE 9 Pakistan at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 9

EMBASSY EVENTS 10 Embassy hosts Governor State Bank of Pakistan 10

THINK TANK EVENTS 11 Ambassador discusses ‘The Next Chapter in U.S.-Pakistan Relations’ at the United States Institute of Peace 11

CONGRESSIONAL OUTREACH 12 Ambassador holds a virtual meeting with Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA) 12

ADVOCACY AND MEDIA OUTREACH 13 Ambassador holds lunch meeting with members of the U.S. Media 13 How the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan affects Pakistan | Ambassador’s interview with NPR 14

Pakistan stands for resuming Afghan Peace Process as Taliban make territorial gains - Ambassador’s speaks with the Associated Press of Pakistan 15 Ambassador gives an interview to Capital TV 15

AMBASSADOR VISITS HOUSTON, TEXAS 16 Ambassador meets with members of The House of Representatives 16 Ambassador inaugurates NADRA Center at Pakistan Consulate General in Houston 17 Ambassador speaks at Asia Society Texas 18 Meeting with ‘Greater Houston Partnership’ CEO & delegation 19 Ambassador attends the Pakistani Legacy Foundation Gala Dinner 20 The Ismaili Council for the Southwestern U.S. hosts the Ambassador 21 Consul General Houston hots a reception in honour of Ambassador Khan 22

PAKISTAN IN U.S. 23 Pakistani artisans display at Winternatinal 23

BEYOND THE HEADLINES 24 President Joe Biden appoints Khizr Khan to Religious Freedom Board 24 Bilal Lakhani wins prestigious ‘PR 40 under 40’ award by PR Week 24 ‘Image Pakistan’ goes live on Amazon 25 Pakistan ranks as the cheapest country to live in 25 Fatima Changezi becomes first female officer to join Pakistan Navy 26 Pakistani swimmer breaks national record at Tokyo Olympics 26 Pakistani mountaineer becomes first asian to summit Mount Kilimanjaro within 24 hours 27 Haniya Monhas becomes first girl from Pakistan to win Asian Tennis Federation 14 & Under 28

Dear friends,

High-level bilateral engagements between Pakistan and US continued during July. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had a telephone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The two sides committed to forging a stable and sustainable Pak-US partnership. Federal Minister and Adviser to Prime Minister for Climate Change, Malik Amin Aslam met US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry on the sidelines of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in London.

The highlight of our media engagement was Prime Minister Imran Khan’s interview on PBS NewsHour. Conveying our view point on different regional and international issues, the Prime Minister underscored the importance for an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.

I also held background4 briefings with journalists from major media outlets and spoke at USIP in Washington DC and Asia Society in Texas.

We continued our engagements at the Hill. This included my virtual meeting with Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA) and meetings with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Rep. Al Green (D-TX) and Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) during my visit to Houston, Texas. Availing these opportunities, I underscored Pakistan’s focus on geo-economics to leverage its location and connectivity infrastructure to promote regional integration and economic growth. I underlined Pakistan’s desire to enhance bilateral cooperation with the US in energy, agriculture, and technology sectors.

Dr. Reza Baqir, Governor State Bank of Pakistan visited US during this month. The embassy held a reception in his honor during which he spoke about Roshan Digital Account, the status of Pakistan’s economic recovery and highlighted the priority that the Government attached to the overseas Pakistanis.

My visit to Orlando, Florida and Houston Texas provided me an opportunity to interact with members of Congress, our diaspora and the business community. I also attended the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) Convention in Orlando and conveyed my deep appreciation for APPNA member’s outstanding contributions in the U.S. and Pakistan, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Imran Khan surprised the audience by virtually joining the convention.

During the APPNA Convention in Orlando, Governor State Bank Dr. Raza Baqir and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health. Dr. Faisal Sultan held an illuminating discussion on APPNA’s role in Pakistan.

The Pakistan-US cooperation on Covid-19 continued under COVAX. The US donated 3 million doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to Pakistan, which brought the total doses donated by the US through COVAX to 5.5 million.

PRIME MINISTER ADDRESSES THE 44TH APPNA CONVENTION

Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the 44th Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) Convention virtually in Orlando, Florida. In his remarks, Prime Minister described overseas Pakistanis as Pakistan’s “biggest asset” and APPNA as the “most influential Overseas Pakistani organization”. Prime Minister invited APPNA to contribute more proactively to improve Pakistan’s health system.

Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan also attended the Convention and thanked APPNA members for their outstanding healthcare contributions in the U.S. and Pakistan, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

WATCH PRIME MINISTER’S SPEECH HERE.

SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE PRIME MINISTER ON HEALTH LEADS DISCUSSION ON THE ROLE OF APPNA IN PAKISTAN

Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Health, Dr. Faisal Sultan along with Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Reza Baqir and Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan held discussion on the role of APPNA in Pakistan.

PRIME MINISTER IMRAN KHAN SPEAKS WITH JUDY WOODRUFF, PBS NEWSHOUR

Prime Minister Imran Khan appeared in an interview with Judy Woodruff on PBS NewsHour. Speaking on Afghanistan, Prime Minister said that the only good outcome for Afghanistan is an inclusive political settlement, a sort of government that includes all factions there. From Pakistan’s perspective, a protracted civil war in Afghanistan will be the worst case scenario, he said.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE.

FOREIGN MINISTER SPEAKS TO U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had a telephone conversation with with U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. The two committed to forging a stable and sustainable Pak-US partnership.

PAKISTAN GETS 3M DOSES OF MODERNA VACCINE UNDER COVAX

The second consignment of 3 million doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines donated by the United States to the COVAX Facility arrived in Pakistan on July 26, 2021, bringing the total doses donated by the US through COVAX to 5.5 million.

READ HERE

PAKISTAN AT THE UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Federal Minister and Adviser to Prime Minister of Pakistan for Climate Change, Malik Amin Aslam represented Pakistan at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. He held a meeting with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.

EMBASSY HOSTS GOVERNOR STATE BANK

The embassy held a reception in the honor of Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Raza Baqir. Community leaders from the DC-Maryland-Virginia area attended the reception. Governor Baqir briefed the audience on Roshan Digital Accounts, the status of Pakistan’s economic recovery and highlighted the priority that the Government attaches to overseas Pakistanis.

AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES ‘THE NEXT CHAPTER IN U.S.-PAKISTAN RELATIONS’ AT THE UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE

The United States Institute of Peace hosted Ambassador Dr. Asad Majeed Khan for a discussion on “The Next Chapter in US-Pakistan Relations”. Ambassador Richard Olson, former U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, moderated the event.

Highlighting Afghanistan as an area of convergence between Pakistan and the United States, Ambassador Khan said that an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan would best serve shared security interests in the region.

Commenting on Pakistan’s focus on geo-economics, Ambassador Khan said that the Government wanted to leverage Pakistan’s location and connectivity infrastructure to promote regional integration and growth. He underlined Pakistan’s desire to enhance bilateral cooperation in energy, agriculture, and technology sectors. He pointed out that Pakistan is well-placed in the region to be an important part of the global supply chain.

READ HERE.

AMBASSADOR INTERACTS WITH CONGRESSMAN JUAN VARGAS (D-CA)

Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan held a virtual meeting with Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA). Ambassador briefed the congressman on the evolving regional security situation and discussed ways in which Pakistan and the U.S. can partner up for peace, security and stability of the region.

Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan hosted journalists from U.S. media for lunch at the Embassy Residence.

Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan with Karen Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan with Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan with DeYoung, associate editor and national Kimberly Dozier, global affairs analyst Christina Goldbaum, foreign security correspondent with The with CNN and contributor The Daily correspondent with The New York Times Beast. in Kabul, Afghanistan. Washington Post. 13

HOW THE U.S. WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN AFFECTS PAKISTAN | NPR

As Washington completes its military withdrawal from Afghanistan, Ambassador Dr. Asad M.

Khan spoke with NPR's Steve Inskeep about developments in the region.

READ HERE.

PAKISTAN STANDS FOR RESUMING AFGHAN PEACE PROCESS AS TALIBAN MAKE TERRITORIAL GAINS: AMBASSADOR KHAN In an interview with the Associated Press of Pakistan, Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan expressed “grave concern” over the unfolding situation in Afghanistan. Ambassador Khan underscored the need for resumption of the peace process between Afghan parties to find a way to end the long-running conflict.

READ HERE.

AMBASSADOR GIVES AN INTERVIEW TO CAPITAL TV

Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan spoke with Asim Siddiqui of Capital TV on the sidelines of the 44th APPNA Convention in Orlando, Florida.

AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan met with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Rep. Al Green (D-TX) and Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) in Houston, TX.

AMBASSADOR INAUGURATES NADRA CENTRE AT PAKISTAN CONSULATE GENERAL,

HOUSTON

Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan inaugurated NADRA Centre at the Pakistan Consulate General in Houston, Texas. This is the 1st NADRA Centre in the US. In line with the Government’s policy of providing easy and efficient services toits overseas citizens, NICOP, Family Registration Certificate and Succession Certificate will now be processed at the Centre.

AMBASSADOR SPEAKS AT ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS

Ambassador Dr. Asad M Khan spoke on Pakistan-U.S. relations, evolving regional security situation, the role of diaspora, and other issues in an interactive session at the Asia Society, Texas.

AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP CEO & DELEGATION

Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan met with Bob Harvey, President and CEO of Greater Houston Partnership during his visit to Houston, Texas. They discussed structured cooperation in Oil and Gas, innovation, clean energy, human sciences, and logistics.

AMBASSADOR ATTENDS THE PAKISTANI LEGACY FOUNDATION GALA DINNER

Ambassador Dr. Asad M Khan, was Chief Guest at the Pakistani American Legacy Foundation (PALF) Gala Dinner. The dinner was held to honor recipients of Pakistan’s Civil Awards. The honorees included Syed Javaid Anwar and Mr. Tahir Javed who were awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, respectively. Ambassador appreciated the honorees’ service to the community and contributions to strong Pak-US relations.

THE ISMAILI COUNCIL FOR THE SOUTHWESTERN U.S. HOSTS THE AMBASSADOR

The Ismaili Council for the Southwest USA and International Academy of Letters (IAL) USA hosted Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan. Ambassador met with President Ismaili Council for USA, AlKarim Alidina and had a comprehensive discussion on peace and security challenges confronting the South Asia region. Ambassador also met with other officials and community notables.

CONSUL GENERAL HOUSTON HOSTS A RECEPTION IN THE HONOUR OF AMBASSADOR

Consul General Houston, Mr. Abrar Hashmi hosted a reception in the honour of Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan. The reception featured Pakistani mangoes; a delicacy in USA. Representative Tory Nehls (R-TX) attended the reception along with his wife. Other guests included, elected government officials, officials from law enforcement and the Office of Financial Management (OFM), as well as business, media and community leaders.

PAKISTANI ARTISANS DISPLAY AT WINTERNATIONAL

Winternational welcomed Pakistan Embassy and participating artisan ‘Alkanooz’ to the Winternational Virtual Marketplace during the last week of July.

Representing Pakistan, Alkanooz showcased the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Pakistan and its cultural heritage and traditions. Check out their visual and decorative arts, handcrafts, jewelry, apparel and artisan-crafted culinary fare!

VIEW HERE 23

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN APPOINTS KHIZR KHAN TO RELIGIOUS FREEDOM BOARD

President Joe Biden named Mr. Khizr Khan, a Gold Star father of Pakistani origin, to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. In a statement issued by the White House, President Biden said that Khan was “an advocate for religious freedom as a core element of human dignity”

READ HERE

BILAL LAKHANI WINS PRESTIGIOUS ‘PR 40 UNDER 40 AWARD BY PR WEEK

Bilal Lakhani, a PR industry veteran, became the first Pakistani to win the ‘PR 40 Under 40 Award’ by PRWeek, a trade magazine that covers the public relations industry. PR 40 under 40 recognises individuals who are redefining the role of communications, PR and marketing..

READ HERE.

IMAGE PAKISTAN GOES LIVE ON AMAZON PAKISTAN RANKS AS ‘THE CHEAPEST COUNTRY TO LIVE IN’

Pakistan has been ranked as ‘the cheapest country in the world to live in’ by ‘Go BankingRates’. Pakistan is the cheapest country to live in, with a cost of living index of

18.58. This is followed by Afghanistan 24.51, India 25.14, and Syria 25.31.

SHOP HERE. READ HERE.

FATIMA CHANGEZI BECOMES FIRST FEMALE OFFICER TO JOIN PAKISTAN NAVY

Fatima Changezi from Gilgit has become the first female naval officer to join Pakistan Navy as a Sub-Lieutenant officer. Changezi received her rank after completing the 23rd Short Service Commission. These services include branches such as Logistics, Medical, Pharmacy, Information Technology, Law, Public Relations, Education, etc. She has many other accolades under her belt, including receiving a Gold Medal in sports for her commendable performance throughout the training period.

PAKISTANI SWIMMER BREAKS NATIONAL RECORD AT TOKYO OLYMPICS

Pakistan’s Bisma Khan improved her personal best timing when she clocked 27.78 seconds in the 50 metre freestyle competition in the Tokyo Olympics.

Bisma surpassed her previous best timing of 27.90 seconds which was also a national record. It means she has set a new national record.

READ HERE.

PAKISTANI MOUNTAINEER BECOMES FIRST ASIAN TO SUMMIT MOUNT KILIMANJARO WITHIN 24 HRS

Pakistani mountaineer Asad Ali Memon became the first Pakistani and Asian to summit the Mount Kilimanjaro within 24 hours. Memon shared that it took him only 20 hours to complete summit and return to the gate of Mount. Kilimanjaro.

READ HERE.

HANIYA MINHAS BECOMES FIRST GIRL FROM PAKISTAN TO WIN ASIAN TENNIS FEDERATION 14 & UNDER

Pakistan’s Haniya Minhas became the first girl from the country to win the Asian Tennis Federation 14 & under event.

Haniya won the title at the 14&U Sobir Cup Asian Tennis Federation tournament in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, after beating second seed Sumaya Tukhtaeva in the final.

READ HERE.

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