Pakistan-US partnership set to revive under Trump: Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal expressed optimism about revitalising the Pakistan-US partnership based on “mutual respect and constructive engagement” under the incoming US administration led by President-elect Donald Trump.

He stated this while addressing an event organised by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Islamabad to mark the longstanding US infrastructure development support to Pakistan on Monday. US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and USAID Mission Director Veeraya (Kate) Somvongsiri were also present at the event.

He emphasised that mutual respect and constructive engagement between both countries was the key to addressing shared challenges and unlocking new growth opportunities. Earlier this month, Republican candidate Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States. Iqbal highlighted the importance of addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy sustainability and food security while discussing future cooperation between both countries. The minister called for collaborative research in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and modern infrastructure to build a more resilient future.

He also stressed the need for engaging the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in the United States to strengthen cultural, academic and economic ties between the two countries, APP quoted an official statement as saying. “Pakistan, with its strategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, is a natural partner for the United States in promoting regional connectivity and economic integration,” Iqbal said. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to building a future of peace, prosperity and progress in collaboration with the US.

He said significant contributions of the United States to Pakistan’s infrastructure projects reflected the enduring strategic importance of the bilateral relationship, and outlined a road map for future cooperation under the leadership of the new US president. He stressed the importance of fostering a new dimension of collaboration focused on education, infrastructure and economic development to address emerging global challenges.

The minister also recalled the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor, launched during the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) government tenure of 2013-18, describing it as a ‘critical initiative’ to strengthen academic and research collaborations. Iqbal acknowledged the Fulbright Scholarship programme, the largest in the world for Pakistan, as a transformative opportunity that empowered thousands of Pakistanis to contribute meaningfully to national progress. The senior leader of the ruling PML-N underscored the potential for expanding bilateral trade, which exceeded $6.5 billion in 2023, and called for enhanced market access and joint ventures in key sectors such as information technology, agriculture and manufacturing.

Addressing the event, US Ambassador Donald Blome emphasised the deep-rooted relationship between Washington and Islamabad, saying the “enduring legacy” of their collaboration will ensure future cooperation is based on shared values, mutual respect, and a dedication to progress. “We look forward to continuing to work together to invest in Pakistan’s future,” Blome said.

The ambassador said for more than 75 years, the US had partnered with Pakistan on infrastructure development that made tangible improvements in the lives of millions of Pakistanis. “Since 2005, we [US government] have invested close to $2 billion in infrastructure across Pakistan. We helped build the Tarbela and Mangla dams in the 1960s and 1970s and upgraded them in 2013 to make sure they continue to meet the needs of another four million Pakistanis, with the work to maintain and upgrade them continuing,” he said.

Blome said the US had also partnered with local governments to expand access to healthcare and education by rebuilding and refurbishing more than 60 health centres and hospitals, including a new state-of-the-art Burn and Trauma Centre in Peshawar, and a total of 345 primary, secondary, and high schools. He added that in higher education, his country had partnered with Pakistan to establish top-notch institutions?, including IBA Karachi, the Lahore University of Management Sciences, and the Centers for Advanced Studies in Water, Energy, and Food Security.

The ambassador said first, the US development assistance was provided without loans and that grants were provided to allow communities to benefit from modern infrastructure without the long-term burdens of debt payments. “The US projects prioritise job creation and capacity building for local people. They promote entrepreneurship and enhance local expertise – all of which put more money into the local economy,” he said.

He said the Washington-Islamabad partnerships in hydel and solar electrification would be the cornerstone of Pakistan’s shift toward renewable energy and climate-smart growth. USAID Pakistan Mission Director Veeraya Kate Somvongsiri acknowledged the milestones in the US-Pakistan relationship and reaffirmed her country’s commitment to deepening ties with Islamabad.