Youths urged to pursue field of creative expression

Pakistani-American youth should pursue excellence in the field of creative expression in order to become an influential voice in the United States through participation in informed discourse, said Islamabad's ambassador in Washington.
Ambassador Hussain Haqqani told a group of Pakistani-American students that in the global 'marketplace of ideas,' it is advancement in the fields like the media, foreign relations, law, research and scholarship that brings influence for communities and nations.
The Pakistani-American delegation from 14 American states is visiting the embassy as part of a three-day annual Youth Leadership Conference under the banner of USPAK Foundation.
Haqqani noted in his remarks that Pakistanis have achieved success in the fields of medicine, engineering and information technology but argued they now need to diversify their expertise for productive engagement in mainstream American intellectual and political arenas. This way, the community would be able to foster better understanding between Pakistan and the United States and improve their own standing, he added.
The United States, with its vast array of institutions, offers tremendous opportunities for the students' advancement. "You should build upon the advantage of being in the United States and become achievers in these fields," he told the Pakistani-Americans.
On behalf of USPAK, Rashid Chotani told the gathering that the young Pakistani-Americans students took part in useful discussion on various issues. The students had the opportunity to listen to senior US officials at the White House including the deputy national security advisor and public engagement officials while they also met with lawmakers on the Capitol Hill. State Department special representative for Muslim communities, Farah Pandit opened the three-day conference.
Earlier, deputy chief of the mission at Pakistani Embassy Iffat Gardezi welcomed the participants, saying Pakistani-American youth have an important role in rectifying misperceptions about Pakistan, which is often seen through the prism of Afghanistan conflict in analyses on the region these days. President USPAK Foundation, Irfan Malik and State Department diplomat Sarah Peck also attended the meeting.