WASHINGTON: Pakistan Envoy to United States (US) Masood Khan emphasized Pakistan’s urgent need for sophisticated small arms and communication equipment to combat escalating terrorism.
Speaking at the Annual Pakistan Conference titled ‘Looking Back, Looking Forward: Assessing the US-Pakistan Relationship,’ organized by the Wilson Center’s South Asia Institute in collaboration with the International Academy of Letters USA, Khan underscored the critical regional security implications of countering terrorism, which threatens both Pakistan and US interests and those of their allies.
He advocated for a renewed commitment to enhance US-Pakistan relations, urging stronger security and economic partnerships with the United States.
“Pakistan and United States should continue to invest in the reset of their relationship, maintain strong security links, enhance intelligence cooperation, resume sales of advanced military platforms and sustainment of Pakistan’s US-origin defence equipment,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing collaborative efforts, including high-level defense talks, military exercises like ‘Inspired Union-2024,’ ‘Falcon Talon,’ and ‘Red Flag,’ Khan reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to combatting terrorism through initiatives like Azm-e-Istehkam to dismantle terrorist networks.
In addition to defense cooperation, Khan acknowledged successful partnerships in energy, agriculture, climate change, healthcare, education, and technology sectors. He expressed gratitude for US assistance and encouraged American investors and businesses to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in IT, energy, agriculture, and mineral sectors.
“The SIFC-prioritized projects have opened up new opportunities to American technologies in agriculture, ICT and mining projects,” he added.
