ISLAMABAD – United States (US) Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker reaffirmed strength and future potential of Islamabad-Washington ties at celebration marking 249th anniversary of American independence, held in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and top Pakistani officials, diplomats, and civil society leaders attended the event where Baker praised enduring partnership between two sides, noting that it was built on shared values of liberty, equality, and opportunity.
She termed fourth of July not just celebration of independence, but reaffirmation of enduring values. These values continue to guide us, and they form the bedrock of our global partnerships—including with Pakistan,” Baker said.
A significant portion of Baker’s remarks focused on recent breakthroughs in counterterrorism cooperation, most notably the apprehension and extradition of the ISIS-K terrorist behind the deadly Abbey Gate attack in Kabul.
“That marked a major milestone in our counterterrorism cooperation,” she noted, adding that “thanks to the leadership and resolve of Pakistan’s military and security authorities, terrorists are being brought to justice.” She echoed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent praise of Pakistan’s role in advancing regional security, calling Pakistan’s actions “brave” and “wise.”
Baker also spotlighted recent strides in economic cooperation, referencing the Pakistan Critical Minerals Investment Forum and shared initiatives in cryptocurrency and digital markets.
She emphasized its decades-long contributions to education, health, and economic growth in Pakistan. The partnerships this team forged have saved lives, helped people meet their most basic needs, and empowered communities to build better futures.
Chargé d’Affaires paid homage to the long-standing defense collaboration between the two countries, thanking military officials from both sides for their service. “Through joint exercises, capacity-building programs, and military education exchanges, we’ve built a relationship of trust, honor, and integrity that continues to protect and save lives.”
She concluded her speech by expressing optimism for the future ties with South Asian nation, saying together, we will take the Pak-US relationship into new frontiers, and sky is the limit.
