Pakistan’s new ambassador to the United States Ali Jehangir Siddiqui invited Pakistani-Americans to be part of collective efforts to put Pakistan back on the track of high economic growth and turn into a dynamic country.
He was speaking at an event, hosted by Maryland-based Pakistani-American businessman Sajid Tarar, who is also an aide to President Donald Trump.
“You can participate in Pakistan’s revival and re-emergence, and we are well on our way. I am not denying that we have challenges. We have many challenges. What I am saying is that many countries have challenges. Today one would be hard-pressed to find a country that is not facing difficult challenges,” Ali Siddiqui remarked
“But rather than speak about the negativity, I ask you to participate alongside us, hold us accountable, work with us to get Pakistan back to where used to be (as economic tiger),” he said while referring to the country’s vast potential and its rapid rise in the decades before 1980s.
“If we can come together as voters, as government, as expatriates, as friends of Pakistan, we can really participate, and getting Pakistan back (on the path of strong growth).”
“So, I think we have a choice of going down this journey together. I am so thrilled by your warm welcome. We need your help and support. And you can support in many different ways,” Siddiqui, a successful investment banker, said.
“And the most important is to participate in your own political discourse, and your own political process. And if you can do that, you will actually be carrying the Pakistan story, and naturally offer a perspective that is your own. That will present Pakistan in a fair way,” the diplomat argued.
He appreciated the Pakistani-Americans’ work in their country of origin in a host of socioeconomic field but added their engaging in a discourse and speaking to other people about the “other side of the story” will help show Pakistan in proper light.
Ambassador Siddiqui and Dr. Zulfiqar Kazmi handshake
Photo: Views and News
Siddiqui particularly praised Sajid Tarar’s political vision to encourage robust Pakistani-American participation in the political process.
Welcoming the new ambassador, Tarar, who is adviser Diversity Coalition for Trump and chairman of Muslims for America, expressed goodwill for the new envoy and noted that Pakistani-Americans have betterment of both countries at their heart.
He applauded the Sikhs of America’s offer of support and vowed to look into Chairman Jesse Singh’s idea of investment in tourism.
Special Envoy from Governor Hogan’s office, Mac Love, welcomed the Pakistani diplomat to the state of Maryland.
Sajid Tarar introduces Junaid Bashir to Ambassador Siddiqui
Photo: Views and News
Prominent Pakistani-American Dr. Zulfiqar Kazmi, head of The Commongrounds, journalist Anwar Iqbal of Dawn, honorary leader of Pakistani-American Press Association, community leaders Junaid Bashir and Shahid Raza Ranjha expressed the new envoy success in his assignment as top diplomat to advance the U.S.-Pakistan relations. Young Pakistani-Americans Sadiqa Tarar, a Ph.D candidate and Fateh Tarar, a law student, ably conduced the proceedings.
Ambassador Siddiqui was accorded a warm reception upon his arrival for the event with traditional Punjabi drum-beating. A traditional “Bhangra” dance performance was also part of the colorful event.
