A fond farewell: Honoring the people, partnerships, and flavours of Punjab
I've been fortunate to travel and work all across Punjab Province — from Attock to Rahim Yar Khan — spending quality time in more than 20 districts. Everywhere I've gone, I've been greeted by such warm Pakistani hospitality, and I've had the opportunity to meet so many inspiring individuals who are working to build stronger ties between the United States and Pakistan, which benefit both of our countries' prosperity and security.
For example, I've seen how US businesses across Punjab Province are creating high-quality jobs for thousands of Pakistani men and women, while also driving local innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture to IT. I've heard from Pakistani businesspeople about how they are turninghigh-quality US cotton imports into beautifulPakistani textiles — strengthening both the American and Pakistani economies. I've met hundreds of students who are working hard in US-supported English-language programs, recognizing that stronger English language skills will open doors to new economic possibilities for themselves and their communities.
One of the major highlights of my time as Consul General was preparing for the December 2024 opening of the new US-supported "Lincoln Corner" at the historic Quaid-e-Azam Library in Lahore — as well as engaging with Pakistani students at other Lincoln Corners spread across the province. These locations offer opportunities for Pakistanis to check out the latest U.S. technology, explore study-abroad opportunities in the United States' world-class universities, and to help Americans and Pakistanis connect with one another. If you haven't attended a program at your nearby Lincoln Corner yet, I highly encourage it! In Lahore, I also always have appreciated the opportunity to drop by the iconic Lahore Fort to see the latest progress on our ongoing cultural preservation project to restore seven of the Fort's structures for future generations to enjoy.
Of course, I've loved sampling unique local dishes all across Punjab Province, from chirayin Gujranwala, to payye in Lahore, to sohan halwa in Multan. And I'll especially miss Pakistan's fruits — including, of course, the kinnow, which is a sweet reminder and symbol of the longstanding US-Pakistan collaboration in agriculture.
While I'm sad to depart Pakistan, I look forward to returning sometime in the future. My tenure as Consul General marks my third time working in Pakistan, and I hope not my final time living in this beautiful country! I also leave confident that the US-Pakistan partnership in Punjab Province and beyond willcontinue to grow. Thousands of Pakistani alumni of US exchange programs are playing a vital role in introducing the skills and knowledge from their US programs into their local communities.
Thank you, Punjab Province, for the very warm welcome that you gave me, and that I know you will give to my successor.
The writer is the consul general of the USA in Lahore
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
'Mera Brand Pakistan' Expo to boost trust
LAHORE The "Mera Brand Pakistan" Expo is set to take place at the Lahore Expo Centre on August 14 and 15, aiming to promote Pakistani products, support local industries, and foster economic self-reliance. The announcement was made at a joint press conference hosted by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Pakistan Business Forum on Monday. Speakers underscored that the expo is not just a commercial exhibition, but part of a broader national movement to build trust in local manufacturing and strengthen the "Made in Pakistan" identity. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad said the time had come to end reliance on imported goods and recognise the capacity of Pakistan's domestic industries. "Our national industries have remarkable potential - they only need trust and promotion," he said. "The Mera Brand Pakistan Expo is designed to give every local manufacturer and brand a platform to present their products to the public, buyers, and exporters." He added Pakistan must become self-sufficient to meet its needs and that pride in national production and participation in such expos is essential. The key to Pakistan's growth lies in boosting exports, and that is only possible by enhancing the global identity of Pakistani products. LCCI Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman called the event a major step towards economic independence. He said the exhibition has specially created space for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). "Economic stability is impossible without the growth of local production," he stated. The two-day event will feature a diverse range of Made-in-Pakistan products, including textiles, cosmetics, food, household items, furniture, footwear, leather goods, engineering products, and other daily-use essentials. Ijaz Tanveer, one of the event organisers, said that every small industrialist in Pakistan has the potential to drive change. "This is a moment for our youth entrepreneurs to use this platform and help Pakistan transition from a consumer market to a producer economy," he said. Chaudhry Mohsin Bashir said the expo reflected a vision of national unity and shared purpose. "We must work together to take Pakistani brands to the global stage," he said. The LCCI office-bearers reiterated that "Mera Brand Pakistan" is more than just a trade fairit is a national initiative focused on self-sufficiency, economic stability, and international branding of Pakistani goods. They said the expo offers a valuable opportunity for local manufacturers to connect with new markets and expand their reach.
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Rupee extends momentum
The Pakistani rupee continued its upward momentum against the US dollar on Monday, appreciating by 0.02% in the inter-bank market. At the close of trading, the local currency was quoted at 282.66, marking a modest gain of six paisa. During the previous week, the rupee had advanced by 73 paisa, or 0.26%, closing at 282.72 compared with 283.45 a week earlier, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). AKD Securities noted that the rupee has strengthened by Rs2.31 against the greenback over the past nine trading sessions. On the global front, the US dollar edged slightly higher on Monday after suffering a blow last week from disappointing jobs data and political turbulence following President Donald Trump's dismissal of a top labour official. US Labour Department figures released on Friday showed job growth in July fell short of expectations, while non-farm payrolls for the previous two months were sharply revised downwards by 258,000, highlighting further weakness in the labour market and bolstering expectations of imminent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, gold prices in Pakistan rose, tracking gains in the international market, where the precious metal extended its upward momentum for a third consecutive session. The rally was driven by renewed expectations of interest rate cuts by the US Fed, following the release of softer economic data last week. According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association, the price of gold per tola increased by Rs500 to settle at Rs359,500. Meanwhile, the price of 10 grams rose by Rs429 to Rs308,213. The latest uptick comes after a sharp jump on Saturday, when gold surged by Rs6,100 per tola, reaching Rs359,000. Commenting on the market trend, Interactive Commodities Director Adnan Agar said gold prices continued to show strength. "Monday's high was $3,385 and the low at $3,344. The market was later hovering around $3,378. If it closes above $3,375-80, there is potential for gold to test $3,440-50 levels again," he said. He added that Friday's economic data came out in favour of gold, boosting sentiment and triggering a recovery in global prices. "If gold maintains its strength and closes above key levels, further upside is likely in the coming sessions," Agar noted. Spot gold rose 0.3% to $3,373.22 per ounce as of 1315 GMT, its highest level since July 24. US gold futures gained 0.8% to $3,427.10. "The odds are stronger now for a rate cut in September and even stronger for another rate cut in December. That, coupled with the headwinds of inflation, I think, is pretty bullish for gold," said Daniel Pavilonis, Senior Market Strategist at RJO Futures.
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Dhaka shows interest in coal, limestone import
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met with Bangladesh High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan to explore deeper bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, logistics and industrial linkages. The high commissioner shared insights from his recent visits to Pakistan's industrial hubs, where he received enthusiastic response from local business chambers. The discussions focused on Bangladesh's growing industrial needs, particularly for Pakistani coal and limestone to support power generation and soda ash production. Key points considered were boosting agricultural trade, particularly Pakistan's import of pineapples from Bangladesh and potential export of mangoes, pending final technical approvals.
