While discussing the issues related to war against terrorists and US civilian assistance with students, US Ambassador Cameron Munter said that there were some 'outsiders' in Pakistan who were attacking innocent people, says a press release received here on Wednesday.
"There are people from outside who are in your country who are taking advantage of the famous hospitality of Pakistan to attack innocent people. We want this war to end, and I know you do as well," said the ambassador. Replying a question that since joining the war on terrorism, Pakistan has lost thousands of people and asked if US assistance is "really enough to compensate our losses, Munter said, "That's a tough question, and a good one". He and his wife, Dr Marilyn Wyatt, held an open and candid conversation with 29 university students from underserved areas of Pakistan.
"We really believe in you," the Ambassador said, adding, "Because you have this kind of energy and this kind of commitment. It's going to be a really great future if we can work together to help make these opportunities come true." This American-style "town hall" was part of a series of efforts by Ambassador Munter and Dr Wyatt to meet Pakistanis from different walks of life and discuss their concerns and aspirations.
The participants were among 1,400 students to have received university scholarships under the US Agency for International Development's (USAID) Merit-and Needs-based Scholarship Programme, managed by the Higher Education Commission. Dr Wyatt outlined some of the US efforts to rebuild areas of the country affected by conflict and floods, such as the $36 million programme to rebuild schools and water supply systems in Malakand, a $55 million programme to improve infrastructure in South Waziristan, and a $62 million programme for post-flood agricultural recovery.
Dr Wyatt also asked the students about their hopes and dreams. Many female students said they wanted to balance the personal and professional to lead happy family lives while pursuing meaningful employment. Meanwhile, several of the young men expressed ambitions to own their own businesses or help build capacity of government institutions.-PR
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