Senate Chairman Mohammadmian Soomro has said that Pakistan is strong force on the international scene. "It is a major player in the global efforts against terrorism, and has performed with zeal to extradite terrorist threats in the region," he said in a message issued to Pakistani American Congress (PAC) on the occasion of its 13th annual conference.
He said Pakistan's status as one of the nuclear powers in the region further enhanced its importance, adding: "Pakistan has certainly proved to be a stabilising force on both these fronts."
"The recent friendly relations with India, also a nuclear state, underlines Pakistan's efforts towards achieving stability in the region," he said.
The senate chairman said that along with a significant presence on the international front, the country was also engaged in confronting its domestic issues head on.
He said Pakistan today was economically vibrant and dynamic with an economy that was fast on its way due to the structural reforms, the present government had introduced.
There had been improvement in macroeconomic indicators and the predicted Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for this year was expected to go beyond seven percent, he said, adding the economic environment was ripe for foreign investment.
Soomro said the PAC could play a strong, positive role in highlighting various aspects of Pakistan in the American community, adding with its widespread national network, it could succeed in raising awareness about Pakistan and its solid ties with the US on the grassroots level.
"The PAC can counter the image of Pakistan, and for cementing US-Pakistan the image of the scourge of extremism devouring Pakistani society by helping to develop a dynamic Pakistani, community in the US that is exemplary in its cultural vibrancy, and religious tolerance," he said.
He said a thriving Pakistani community in the US, which contributed significantly to the country's intellectual, socio-cultural, economic and political milieu, was a necessity for promoting a progressive, image of Pakistan, and for cementing US-Pakistan ties.
"The PAC can play a potentially powerful role in the development of social, cultural, entrepreneurial and professional leadership capabilities of US Pakistanis."
The senate chairman said the establishment of the Pakistani-American women wing in the PAC and the renewed interest in generating youth activism within the community, and grooming leaders in various fields and academia was a step in the right direction.
Chairman Soomro said the Pakistani community needed to be encouraged to participate in all arenas of life, and to explore various professional fields, and not stick only to the traditional professions of medicine, engineering and business. "Entrance in the US political arena is a key issue in this regard," he stated.
He lauded the efforts of the PAC in protecting the rights of Pakistani-American citizens of the US in those difficult times. At the same time, he said establishing a strong political presence in the country was of paramount importance in the long run.
Soomro emphasised that it was important to establish an appreciation and awareness of Pakistani culture in the US. "This may be possible by promoting Pakistani artists and writers, and organising events centered on folk art, crafts, musical traditions, etc."
He said it was important to celebrate our identity by bringing attention to our vibrant, rich and multidimensional cultural heritage. A rising interest in the culture and traditions of Pakistan would promote a more human and sympathetic understanding of the Pakistani people by Americans.
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