Ambassador Mahmud Ali Durrani said on Wednesday that Pakistan and United States have a close and cordial relationship, which would expand further with passage of time. He said this while addressing participants of 'A Day on the Hill' held under the auspices of the Pakistani American Congress (PAC), on the eve of its 14th annual conference.
The ambassador said that he was pleased to find the community excel and prosper, and create a fair name for itself on the basis of the dint of hard work. Witnessing the community rise, he stated, confirms that America rightly was a land of opportunity.
The PAC is an elected non-political umbrella body of some 60 community's representative organisations in North America, which is headed by Dr Wasiullah Khan, Chancellor of the East-West University, Chicago.
Stocktaking of the PAC's performance was made and line of action for the coming year was charted, in the morning session while in the afternoon session, a number of US Senators and Congressmen delivered their addresses expressing their satisfaction over the cordial and close bilateral relations, and called upon the Pakistani American community to join the mainstream of American political system, which is simple and rewarding, besides excelling in their professional lines. They appreciated the meritorious services being rendered by the PAC, in this behalf.
"It is an example of opportunities in America and how well some of you have done. I feel personal pride in that my countrymen have done so well, and now, they are citizens of the United States."
"And, I know, they are loyal to this country, but they have some relationships with the old homeland, which gladdens my heart," he told the community.
He said that United States represents "a lot of things to us" - "it is a great democracy, it is a great land of opportunity and human rights - and, Pakistan can learn a lot from it."
Ambassador Durrani said Pakistan-US enjoyed "a very good relationship" today. He, however, said that this relationship had vast prospects, though it today was on a bit of a narrow base. "I hope, with the passage of time, and with our and your efforts, this base is going to expand, and, a long-term relationship can only exist and persist if there is a strong base." He said that he fully supports the community and its organisations, and would be more than happy to work with them.
The objective of the PAC is to effectively plead the case of Pakistani community in North America. Its mission is: equal opportunities for Pakistani-Americans in employment, business, government representations, access to credit, visa challenges currently facing Pakistani students and an increase in people-to-people contact for more frequent and meaningful exchange between Pakistan and the United States.
Senator Tom Harkins of Democratic Party from Iowa, in his remarks at the Rayburn Office Building at the Capitol Hill, underscored the need for Pakistani Americans to know the American system, and must acquaint themselves how the government works. "Send your sons and daughters to the Senate and the House of Representatives," he said.
He said "we are in the midst of a difficult and often emotional national debate about immigration." The Pakistani American community, he stated had roots in his constituency. In fact, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has the oldest mosque in the United States. "Islam is a beautiful religion, and it's a great way of life," Congressman Dale Kildee of Democratic Party from Michigan said.
In his address, he said "Islam means surrendering to God." He did his masters in history and political science from the University of Peshawar, under a Rotary Foundation Fellowship. "I was the only 'Ahle-Kitab' (Believer in the Revealed Books) belonging to Christian faith in the university, and I found love and affection all around. He used many Urdu and Pushto words to show affection for Pakistani culture.
The Congressman, who is of an Irish background, is known to be a friend of Pakistan, said in his constituency, Pakistani community is known for their high professionalism in the fields of medicine and engineering. He, however, contested the definition that America was "a melting pot" for immigrants. "Instead, it's more of a mosaic - each stone being of a different colour - that's America. It's a rich mosaic, which attracts and enriches the American fabric."