Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strong diplomatic ties, stability, and pragmatic economic policies during the Future Security Forum 2025 in Washington, DC. Speaking on a panel titled “The Future of the US-Pakistan Relationship,” he emphasized that relations between the two nations are essential, not a matter of choice.
Enduring Partnership Amid Global Challenges
Ambassador Sheikh highlighted the deep-rooted partnership between Pakistan and the US, marked by cooperation on critical issues such as counterterrorism and climate change. He expressed gratitude to the US leadership, especially former President Donald Trump, for facilitating the ceasefire that ended the 88-hour standoff, preventing escalation in a nuclear region with 1.7 billion people.
Addressing key regional and global issues—including climate change, India-Pakistan tensions, the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), China-Pakistan relations, the Ukraine conflict, and Afghanistan—Sheikh underscored Pakistan’s commitment to diplomacy and stability. He spoke passionately about Pakistan’s climate crisis, citing repeated floods and new weather phenomena that threaten the country’s development and economic progress. He stressed that climate resilience is central to Pakistan’s foreign policy and economic security.
Balanced Foreign Policy and Regional Peace
Rejecting “camp politics,” Ambassador Sheikh asserted Pakistan’s balanced foreign policy approach, with longstanding ties to China based on historical and economic cooperation. He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a catalyst for regional connectivity and prosperity, not merely a geopolitical tool.
Sheikh also called for international mediation on the Kashmir dispute, insisting that peace in South Asia depends on resolving IIOJK in line with UN Security Council resolutions. He condemned terrorism originating from Afghanistan but affirmed that diplomacy remains Pakistan’s preferred method to address bilateral challenges with Afghanistan and India.
Regarding Afghan refugees, Sheikh clarified that only undocumented individuals are being repatriated, and he advocated for visa-based cross-border movement following international norms. On Ukraine, he welcomed US-led peace efforts and expressed hope for a successful resolution.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Sheikh reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to global peace, dialogue, and mutual respect, engaging constructively with the forum’s audience.
