Islamabad (GNP): Pakistan and the United States must move beyond a predominantly security-centred relationship and invest in economic complementarity, technology, trade and sustainable investment to build a stronger, long-term partnership, said Sardar Masood Khan, Former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the Truman Center programme,The Next Chapter of US-Pakistan Relations: Diplomacy and Economic Engagement, Ambassador Masood Khan said both countries needed to reinvest political capital in their relationship and overcome mutual scepticism in Washington and Islamabad. He emphasised that a durable partnership required realistic expectations, recognition of each country’s interests and a willingness to build on areas of shared benefit.
Ambassador Khan said Pakistan could remain an important partner for the United States in counterterrorism, regional security and the evolving Middle East. He called for stronger defence cooperation and proactive collaboration against terrorist networks operating from Afghanistan. He also highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to South Asian security and welcomed continued engagement on counterterrorism.
On regional diplomacy, he said the United States could play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue between Pakistan and India, including on Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that Washington’s diplomatic engagement would be appreciated and could help create space for peaceful engagement between the two neighbours.
Turning to economic relations, Ambassador Khan described the United States as Pakistan’s largest export destination and highlighted opportunities in technology, venture capital, digital services and entrepreneurship. He noted that American companies were operating profitably in Pakistan and that Pakistani-American investors were contributing to sectors including real estate, hospitality and financial technology.
He underscored Pakistan’s rapid digital transformation, including the expansion of mobile connectivity, broadband access and digital transactions. With a substantial freelance workforce and growing technology start-ups, he said Pakistan offered opportunities for collaboration in artificial intelligence, healthcare, diagnostics, digital logistics and other emerging industries.
Ambassador Khan urged Pakistan to strengthen its economic reforms, intellectual property protection, dispute settlement mechanisms and ease of doing business. He also called on the United States to expand market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, promote business-to-business matchmaking and support feasible investment projects through development finance.
Clarifying concerns surrounding the Makkah alliance, he said it was not intended to extend a nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia or threaten any third country.
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Ambassador Khan concluded that differences should not prevent cooperation. By strengthening economic engagement, technology partnerships and diplomatic coordination, he said, Pakistan and the United States could establish a more balanced, resilient and forward-looking relationship.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
