ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP):Over 400 members of the Pakistani-American community from from different walks of life across the United States
converged in Washington to attend the Pakistani-American Community and Youth Convention.
Convention, under the theme of ‘Connecting the dots’ was hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan which brought
together accomplished Pakistani-American entrepreneurs, academics, artists and public officials and office holders
to share their ideas and experiences, said a message received here.
Welcoming the participants to the Convention, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Aizaz Ahmad
Chaudhry, lauded the role of the Pakistani-American community in bringing the two countries together by forging
strong people-to-people relations.
He hoped that young Pakistani-Americans would continue to enrich various facets of American society and life
by excelling in their chosen fields of endeavour.
Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry stressed that an engaged and civic-minded expatriate community was key to
enhancing mutual goodwill and understanding between Pakistan and the United States.
The daylong Convention was divided into panel discussions and presentations, which were punctuated by
cultural and musical performances that showcased the diversity of Pakistan’s rich heritage.
The six panel discussions were focused on Youth Engagement; Role of Women; Voice in Academia and
Think Tanks; Civic Engagement; Harmony Through Art and Literature; and Entrepreneurs. Each panel comprised
Pakistani-Americans who had distinguished themselves in the subject area.
Ms. Martha Patterson from State Department representing the US Government, in her remarks said that
Pakistan and the United States have been partners for over 70 years. She stated that building on and improving
this historical long-standing partnership is critical to both our nations”.
She also mentioned that two-way trade reached $6.4 billion in 2017, an all-time high.
Officials from the U.S. State Department and USAID also made a presentation on the ongoing cooperation
in various areas between Pakistan and the United States.
Pakistan’s Consuls General in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston were also present and
participated in an interactive session on the provision of consular services to the Pakistani-American
communities in their areas of jurisdiction.
The Convention concluded with the participants joining together in the spirited rendition of a national
song.