Pakistani Educators Complete Course At Plymouth State University
A group of 15 Pakistani educators returned home recently after completing a 3-week summer course at Plymouth State University (PSU), New Hampshire U.S. Funded by the U.S. State Department, the summer institute is a collaboration between PSU and Lahore-based NGO Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA). Talking about the program, ITA’s Saima Hasrat remarked that “people-to-people interaction is significant to remove misconceptions about each other,” while Assistant Professor Mubasher Nadeem, from Lahore’s University of Education, said that the program “broadened his vision.” Other participants termed the program a “wonderful experience” and the graduation ceremony a “memorable event.” In Washington, D.C., the group met with Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs John Gastright and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs Alina Romanowski.(complete text)
U.S. Ambassador Stresses Need For Strong Democratic Institutions, Encourages Inter-faith Dialogue
U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson encouraged “strong, vibrant institutions essential for democracy in Pakistan” as she inaugurated the Punjab Assembly’s new Parliamentary Resource Center on the second day of her visit to Lahore. “The Pakistan Legislative Strengthening Program demonstrates U.S. commitment to assist the people of Pakistan in building such institutions,” the U.S. Ambassador said. “The Resource Center will provide support and information to members of the assembly as they debate and legislate on important issues.” Ambassador Patterson congratulated the multi-party steering committee and the Provincial Assembly Secretariat for their “strong interest in and support” to the project.(complete text)
U.S. Ambassador Highlights Respect For Islam, Terms Interfaith Dialogue Critical
U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson stressed that the “United States has great respect for Islam and its ideals of justice, tolerance, and peace” during her visit to the historic Badshahi Mosque. “Islam is the second largest religion in the United States and I look forward to working closely with Islamic leaders in Pakistan during my time here. Dialogue with religious leaders from all faiths is critical,” stated Ambassador Patterson after she was received at the mosque by Imam and Khateeb Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad. “No religion tolerates, promotes, advocates, or approves of the use of terrorism or violence. The United States has no quarrel with Islam. Our quarrel is with those from any faith who attempt to misuse religion to justify violence or terrorism for political ends,” she remarked.(complete text)
U.S. Consulate Brings Pianist Mike del Ferro To Lahore
American pianist Mike del Ferro entertained appreciative audiences in Lahore over the weekend with three jazz concerts arranged by the U.S. Consulate. “It’s a pleasure to welcome Mike del Ferro to Lahore again, after a gap of two years. I hope you all will enjoy the concert by this highly sought-after pianist and composer,” stated Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate Bryan Hunt while welcoming guests at his residence. The visiting artist, sponsored by American Voices, is touring Pakistan this week on behalf of the U.S. Mission. American Voices is a Texas-based not-for-profit organization that promotes accessibility to and understanding of American music and culture.(complete text)
Punjab CM Elahi, PO Hunt Stress Strong Bilateral Ties At U.S. Independence Day Event
U.S. Consulate’s Principal Officer Bryan Hunt stressed America’s “enduring relationship with Pakistan” during the 231st American Independence Day celebration in the city. Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and other dignitaries attended the reception hosted by Principal Officer Bryan Hunt at his residence. “It is a pleasure for me to celebrate Independence Day in Lahore,” said Bryan Hunt. “July Fourth is more than just a day of celebration; it is a day to renew our commitment to uphold the fundamental principles – of liberty, equality, rule of law -- that led to the birth of our nation.”(complete text)
Pakistani Teachers To Attend Summer Institute At Plymouth State University
Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate Lahore Bryan Hunt today handed over air tickets to a group of Pakistani educators traveling to the U.S. to attend a summer institute at the Plymouth State University (PSU), New Hampshire. Funded by the U.S. State Department, the summer institute is a collaboration between PSU and Lahore-based NGO Idara-e-Taleem-o-Agahi (ITA). Speaking at the pre-departure orientation, Mr. Bryan Hunt said, “The program exemplifies U.S. commitment to education in Pakistan – not only for students, but also educators and researchers. I congratulate the educators selected for the program and hope the summer institute enhances their professional skills.”(complete text)
U.S. Diplomat Holds Reception For Seeds Of Peace Participants And Their Parents
At a pre-departure reception today, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Kathleen Eagen urged Pakistani students to "spread the message of peace." A total of 9 children selected from five Lahore schools will attend a "Seeds of Peace" summer camp in Maine, USA from June 25 through July 17, 2007. "Participation in the Seeds of Peace program will empower you to take the important step from interest to action; to commit yourselves to make a difference, to change something. Recognizing the value of our differences is the first step towards the resolution of conflict," she said.(complete text)
U.S. Consulate Exhibit Highlights “Landmarks Of New York”
U.S. Consulate Principal Officer, Bryan Hunt, and Punjab Minister for Information Technology Abdul Aleem Khan, today inaugurated a photo exhibit, “The Landmarks of New York,” at Tollington Hall. “As it celebrates the 40th anniversary of New York’s Landmark Preservation Act, it is only befitting that the exhibit is being displayed in a building like the Tollington, a unique landmark of Lahore restored recently to its original grandeur,” the senior U.S. diplomat remarked at the opening. Organized by the U.S. Consulate in collaboration with the Lahore Museum, the exhibit will remain on display in Lahore through June 14, and is to be displayed in Peshawar and Karachi later on.(complete text)
U.S. Consulate Re-Opens Information Resource Center For Members
The U.S. Consulate today re-opened its Information Resource Center (IRC) to members, providing them with a walk-in facility to use its research and reference services. “The IRC, which is a combined paper and electronic reference library, will provide access to a wealth of resources on U.S. political, economic, business, legal, legislative and social affairs,” said Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate Bryan Hunt at the inaugural ceremony.
Provincial Minister for Education Mian Imran Masud felicitated the Consulate on the occasion and hoped “members would utilize the facility for their research and reference needs.”(complete text)
USAID Workshop Explores Pakistan’s Mango Export Potential To The U.S.
A day-long workshop on the importance of “awareness and mango marketing opportunities” aimed to inform mango growers and exporters about the current status and U.S. requirements for mango exports from Pakistan to the U.S. was held here today. “Multan is not only a city with a rich cultural heritage, it is also an important agricultural center. The geography and climate are ideal for producing some of the sweetest mangoes in the world,” Bryan Hunt, Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate Lahore, said while speaking at the USAID workshop. The workshop is being conducted under the auspices of USAID’s Pakistan Initiative for Strategic Development and Competitiveness (PISDAC) which aims to increase competitiveness of Pakistan’s small and medium sized enterprises.(complete text)
U.S. Diplomats Stress Need For Interfaith Harmony, Education During Visit To Kasur
U.S. Consulate Principal Officer Bryan Hunt stressed the need for “interfaith harmony” and highlighted “U.S. support for education in Pakistan” during his visit to Kasur, 55 kilometers southeast of Lahore. Public Affairs Officer Kathleen Eagen accompanied him. “Sufis came to the subcontinent in peace. The message of peace and tolerance they brought is important in today's world,” Mr. Hunt said after laying a ‘chadar’ at the shrine of Baba Bulleh Shah where he was greeted by Pir Nazim Hussain Shah. Baba Bulleh Shah, whose real name was Abdullah Shah, composed poetry in the ‘kafi’ style – a verse form favored by Punjabi sufi poets.(complete text)
U.S. Consulate Principal Officer Bryan Hunt Terms Free Press Essential To Democracy
An independent and active press is an “important pillar of democracy” remarked U.S. Consulate’s Principal Officer Bryan Hunt while speaking to students and faculty at the Punjab University’s Institute of Communication Studies (ICS) on the World Press Freedom Day. ICS Director Dr. Mugheesuddin Sheikh spoke on challenges facing the press today. “On World Press Freedom day, we recognize the important contributions of a free press and honor the sacrifices made by journalists around the world to report the truth. Without a free and vibrant press a nation cannot find its voice and become a flourishing democracy. We vigorously promote freedom of expression as a core component of our diplomacy and our assistance programs,” said Mr. Hunt.(complete text)
U.S. Consulate Principal Officer Visits Charitable Clinic By AES Lal Pir
Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate Lahore Bryan Hunt today visited a health clinic established and run by AES Lal Pir (Pvt.) Ltd., Muzaffargarh, and said he was pleased that it had provided “free health services to over 45,000 residents of South Punjab since its inception.” Consulate Public Affairs Officer Kathleen Eagen accompanied him. “AES’ generous donation of 10 school buildings, its tree-plantation efforts, and provision of free eye treatment to local patients serve as outstanding examples of how American private-sector businesses are supporting local Punjabi communities,” Hunt said.(complete text)
U.S. Principal Officer Bryan Hunt Stresses Need For Tolerance At Interfaith Conference
Welcoming guests at a conference “Celebrating Interfaith Harmony Through Dialogue” U.S. Consulate Principal Officer Bryan Hunt stressed that “today more than ever we all need to make a conscious effort to promote tolerance.” The conference, which was organized at the Consulate by the Pakistan Ulema and Mashaikh Council, included members of the Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Parsi faiths, and started with recitation from the Holy Quran. “America is a land of many faiths and we welcome the rich diversity these faiths bring to our nation. We need to strive for interfaith harmony to strengthen appreciation of the values and norms common to the world’s religions and cultures. I truly appreciate the initiative taken today to promote inter-religious harmony,” remarked Principal Officer Bryan Hunt.(complete text)
U.S. Consulate Marks Earth Day With Poster Competition For Students
Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate Bryan Hunt remarked that he was “amazed by the students’ talent” while giving away prizes to the top five participants at a poster competition held in connection with the Earth Day.
“The U.S. Consulate regularly organizes programs underlining the importance of environment, but it is always exciting when such programs involve the youth and children. The overwhelming response we had from students demonstrates their interest in this important subject, besides highlighting their skills in art,” Mr. Hunt said. The following participants received the top five prizes respectively: Ali Shafique, St. Anthony’s College; Rida Ali, Pepperdine School; Iqra Jehangir, Pepperdine School; Arifa Latif, Qila Lakshman Singh CARE School; M.K Sherpao and M. Salman Ibraheem of Aitchison College shared the 5th prize.(complete text)
U.S. Consulate Principal Officer Inaugurates American Film Festival At Alhamra Arts Center
U.S. Consulate’s Principal Officer Bryan Hunt today inaugurated an American Film Festival “Raj in the Eyes of Hollywood” at the Alhamra Arts Center with the screening of the classic “The Man Who Would be King” by famed American director John Huston. The three-day festival is being organized in collaboration with the Lahore Arts Council. “For many Americans, films about the British Raj are the only window through which they can view the colonial era in South Asian history. These movies brought to audiences not only enduring images of an exotic land, but also the compelling issues people faced during that period. I hope the audience in Lahore would enjoy this cinematic journey to the past,” Mr. Hunt said.(complete text)
U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Susan Schwab Meets With Federal Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar
U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Susan Schwab met the Federal Minister for Commerce Humayun Akhtar Khan in Lahore today. The meeting was held in the lead up to the Cairns Group meetings to be held in Lahore from April 16-18, 2007. "The United States is pleased with the efforts of the Pakistani government to open the country's economy to greater trade and investment" said Ambassador Susan Schwab." "The government's economic reforms have produced stronger U.S. –Pakistani commercial relations. We look forward to strengthening this relationship further in the years to come."(complete text)
U.S. Congressional Delegation Visits USAID Gems And Jewelry Project
A six-person U.S. Congressional delegation led by Congresswoman Nita Lowey (Democrat, New York) met with representatives of the USAID gems and jewelry project in Lahore today. Under its economic growth program, USAID is providing $22 million for improving business development in Pakistan. “It is a pleasure to be here today and witness first-hand the important work Pakistani gems and jewelry industry is doing with assistance from the USAID and invaluable support from the Government of Pakistan. We appreciate the fact that the industry is taking a collaborative approach to addressing constraints to growth,” remarked Congresswoman Lowey.(complete text)
U.S. Congressional Delegation Witnesses Wagah Border Ceremony
During a day-long visit to Lahore, a six-member Congressional delegation led by Congresswoman Nita Lowey (Democrat, New York) took time to witness the flag-lowering ceremony at Joint Check Post Wagah Border that draws huge crowds on both sides of the Pakistan-India border daily at sundown. Upon arrival at Wagah, the U.S. delegation was received by Lt. Colonel Tariq Janjua, Wing Commander, 10 Wing, Sutlej Rangers. The delegation was then taken to Zero Point – a white line on the tar road marking the actual border -- and briefed on the history of the border-crossing. Following the briefing, the delegation was escorted to the stands.(complete text)
U.S. Consulate And Punjab University Sign MoU To Establish Lincoln Corner
U.S. Consulate’s Principal Officer Bryan Hunt stated that "partnership between the Consulate and the Punjab University would enhance strong ties between our two peoples" while signing a memorandum of understanding to establish a Lincoln Corner at the University. Vice Chancellor Lt. General (retired) Arshad Mahmood signed the MoU on behalf of the University. "Punjab University is an ideal place for this facility. An impressive history spanning 125 years, during which it has produced Nobel laureates like the late Dr. Abdus Salam and Har Gobind Khorana -- who I’m pleased to mention is presently teaching at the MIT -- speaks volumes for its academic excellence. We are proud to partner with such an illustrious institution," stated Mr. Hunt.(complete text)
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