APRIL 2021 - Embassy of Pakistan, Washington DC
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APRIL 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE 3
EMBASSY OUTREACH & EVENTS 4
‘STARTUP SUMMIT – 2021’ 4
'AN INTERFAITH PRAYER FOR PEACE AND HARMONY’ | EMBASSY WEBINAR 5
‘PAKLAUNCH’ HOLDS A VIRTUAL CONVERSATION ON ECONOMIC & TECHNOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES IN
THE PAKISTAN-U.S. RELATIONSHIP 6
AMBASSADOR ATTENDS ‘ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS OF PAKISTANI DESCENT OF NORTH AMERICA’ SPRING MEETING 7
MEETING WITH NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF ‘THE ENGLISH SPEAKING UNION OF PAKISTAN’ 7
AMBASSADOR HOSTS CEO OF EJAD LABS 7
AMBASSADOR DELIVERS REMARKS DURING A VIRTUAL INTERFAITH IFTAR PRAYER 8
CONGRESSIONAL OUTREACH 8
VIRTUAL MEETING WITH CONGRESSMAN AMI BERA, M.D. (D-CA) 9
CULTURE & TOURISM 10
“CONFLUENCE OF HISTORY, CULTURE & CUISINE: LAHORE – A VIRTUAL TOUR” | EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN WEBINAR 10
PAKISTAN IN U.S. MEDIA 11
PAKISTAN FEATURED AS THE NEW YORK TIMES ‘COUNTRY OF THE WEEK’ 11
NYT COOKING FEATURES RECIPE FOR CRUNCHY PAKISTANI SAMOSAS 11
ADVOCACY AND MEDIA OUTREACH 12
MEETINGS WITH PAKISTANI AND U.S. MEDIA 12
IFTAR DINNER FOR U.S.-BASED PAKISTANI JOURNALISTS 12
TWITTER HIGHLIGHTS 13
BEYOND THE HEADLINES 14
PAKISTAN ELECTED TO THREE MAJOR U.N. BODIES 14
PAKISTAN-AMERICAN APPOINTED ASSISTANT CHIEF OF HOUSTON POLICE 14
PAKISTANIS WHO MADE IT TO THE FORBES UNDER 30 LIST 2021 15
DUBAI-BORN PAKISTANI STUDENT TO REPRESENT 2.1M STUDENTS IN CALIFORNIA 16
PAKISTANI EDTECH EDKASA RAISES $320,000 PRE-SEED, FOR EXAM PREP APP 16
PAKISTAN’S YOUNGEST SQUASH PLAYER RANKED AMONG TOP 100 PLAYERS IN THE WORLD 17
PAKISTANI EDUCATOR NAMED AMONG MOST HIGHLY CITED RESEARCHERS IN THE FIELD OF COMPUTER SCIENCE 17
PAKISTANI 4-YEAR OLD ACES THE MICROSOFT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL EXAM 17
2
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.
AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE
Dear friends,
As we approach the end of the blessed month of Ramadan, let me extend my best wishes for your health,
happiness and prosperity.
As you are well aware, Biden Administration’s Covid vaccination drive is in full swing. I would urge you all to get
yourself vaccinated at the earliest so that we can collectively overcome this pandemic soon.
You are also aware that the Covid situation in our part of the world is getting worse. In this regard, the
Government of Pakistan has taken a number of measures to control the third wave of pandemic, which include
reduction in the inbound air traffic to Pakistan by 80%. In addition to the requirement of provision of negative RT-
PCR test conducted 72 hours prior to departure, the air passengers would also be required to undertake Rapid
Antigen Test (RAT) upon arrival in Pakistan. Positive cases would then be transferred to quarantine facilities. In
prevailing circumstances, you should travel to Pakistan only if it is absolutely essential.
The Embassy continued its outreach efforts during the month of April. The Embassy, in collaboration with the Science Diplomacy
Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted its first ever virtual ‘Startup Summit’. The Foreign Minister inaugurated the Summit,
which provided an important platform for engagement between the U.S.-based Pakistani diaspora and the relevant stakeholders in
Pakistan including Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Higher Education Commission (HEC), National Incubation
Center (NIC), State Bank of Pakistan, and National Science and Technology Park.
I held a virtual conversation with ‘PAKLAUNCH’, a virtual platform launched by young Pakistani-Americans for connecting Pakistani
talent from around the globe. The conversation focused on identifying economic and technological opportunities in the Pakistan-US
relationship. I also traveled to Florida to attend APPNA Spring meeting where I conveyed our deep gratitude and appreciation to
APPNA physicians for their outstanding contributions in fighting COVID both in the US and for their generous contributions for Covid
relief in Pakistan.
In line with the Government’s high priority given to the promotion of tourism sector, the Embassy held the third episode of its Webcast
series on showcasing tourism potential of Pakistan. This virtual event, themed “Confluence of History, Culture & Cuisine: Lahore – A
Virtual Tour”, introduced the splendors of Lahore to audience in the US.
Unfortunately, due to restrictions on public gatherings, we could not hold our traditional Inter-faith Iftar this Ramadan, nor could we
hold Easter celebrations at the Embassy. These activities and other cultural programs will resume once the Covid situation improves.
However, the Embassy arranged a virtual Interfaith Prayer with leaders of all faiths. I also participated in the virtual interfaith iftar
prayer hosted by Pakistani-American Community from the West Coast.
In the end, I wish to extend my best wishes to all of you for a very happy Eid, which is just round the corner. At the same time, let me
also reiterate the importance of celebrating Eid in a safe and responsible manner by adhering to all the precautionary measures
advised by CDC.
3
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.
EMBASSY OUTREACH & EVENTS
STARTUP SUMMIT - 2021
Science Diplomacy Pakistan, a division of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in
collaboration with Embassy of Pakistan, Washington D.C., hosted its first
ever virtual ‘Startup Summit’. The focus of the Summit was to connect U.S.-
based Pakistani diaspora with local stakeholders including Securities and
Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Higher Education Commission
(HEC), National Incubation Center (NIC), State Bank of Pakistan, and
National Science and Technology Park.
Watch Foreign Minister Shah Watch Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan’s Participants of the Startup Summit 2021
Mahmood Qureshi’s remarks remarks here.
here.
4
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.
EMBASSY OUTREACH & EVENTS
'AN INTERFAITH PRAYER FOR PEACE AND HARMONY’
The Embassy of Pakistan hosted a virtual event ‘An Interfaith Prayer for Peace and Harmony’ to celebrate
Ramadan. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan highlighted the Pakistan value of
inclusivity and said that Pakistan is “firmly committed to promoting interfaith harmony and religious
tolerance”. He stressed that while individuals seem divided along lines of culture and faith, religion can
actually be a unifying force for good. Following his convocation, Eminents cholars representing Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism attended the iftar.The leaders of faith prayed in the
irrespective languages, emphasizing the importance of interfaith harmony, peace and tolerance.
Opening Speaker Speaker Speaker Speaker Speaker Speaker Closing
Remarks Remarks
Dr. Asad M. Dr. Sovan Tun Father Don Rooney Lee Bachu Rabbi M. Bruce Imam Dr. Talib Dr. Rajwant Ambassador
Khan President Pastor, Saint President of Lustig M. Shareef, Singh Akbar Ahmed
Ambassador of Emeritus, Bernadette Inter-Faith Senior Rabbi of USAF-Retired Chairman, Anthropologist,
Pakistan to the Cambodian Catholic Church Council of Washington Masjid Sikh Council Islamic scholar,
U.S. Buddhist and School Washington, Hebrew Muhammad, on Religion & poet,
Society, Inc DC. Congregation The Nation’s Education playwright, and
Mosque filmmaker.
5
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.
EMBASSY OUTREACH & EVENTS
‘PAKLAUNCH’ HOLDS A VIRTUAL CONVERSATION ON ECONOMIC &
TECHNOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PAKISTAN-U.S. RELATIONSHIP
“PakLaunch”, an online community of Pakistani diaspora, held a virtual conversation with
Ambassador Dr. Asad Majeed Khan on Economic and Technological opportunities in the Pakistan-
U.S. relationship.
During his remarks, Ambassador Khan highlighted Pakistan’s focus on geo-economics and how it is
shaping domestic and foreign policy to better serve the interest of the people of Pakistan.
Ambassador Khan also reiterated the Government’s commitment to utilizing the untapped
potential of our diaspora for the socio-economic development of Pakistan.
“Pakistan is leveraging its geo-economic potential to strengthen its trade, investment READ
and people to people ties with the US.” – Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan, April 11, 2021 HERE.
6
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.
EMBASSY OUTREACH & EVENTS
AMBASSADOR ATTENDS ASSOCIATION MEETING WITH NATIONAL
OF PHYSICIANS OF PAKISTANI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE
DESCENT OF NORTH AMERICA SPRING ENGLISH SPEAKING UNION OF
MEETING PAKISTAN
Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan had a virtual
Ambassador Dr. Asad M. interaction with the National Executive Committee of
Khan attended APPNA the ‘English speaking Union of Pakistan’.
Spring meeting in Orlando,
Florida. In his keynote
speech, Ambassador
conveyed deep gratitude
and appreciation to APPNA
physicians for their
outstanding contributions in
fighting COVID and helping
communities in the U.S. and
Pakistan.
AMBASSADOR HOSTS ARZISH AZAM,
CEO, EJAD LABS
7
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.
EMBASSY OUTREACH & EVENTS
AMBASSADOR DELIVERS REMARKS DURING A VIRTUAL INTERFAITH IFTAR
PRAYER
Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan joined a virtual interfaith iftar prayer hosted by Pakistani-American
community members based on the west coast. The event was attended by State Officials,
Congressional representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.
WATCH HERE
8
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.
CONGRESSIONAL OUTREACH
VIRTUAL MEETING WITH
CONGRESSMAN AMI BERA, M.D. (D-CA)
9
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.
CULTURE & TOURISM
“CONFLUENCE OF HISTORY, CULTURE & CUISINE: LAHORE – A
VIRTUAL TOUR” | EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN WEBINAR
In its endeavor to highlight the tourism potential of Pakistan, the Embassy of Pakistan organized a
Virtual tour on “Confluence of History, Culture & Cuisine of Lahore” on April 09, 2021. The event
was the third episode in the Embassy’s Webcast series on showcasing tourism potential of Pakistan.
WATCH HERE.
10
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.PAKISTAN IN U.S. MEDIA
PAKISTAN FEATURED AS ‘COUNTRY OF
THE WEEK’ IN THE NEW YORK TIMES
Pakistan was featured as ‘Country of the Week’ in The
New York Times’. Take the quiz and test your
knowledge of Pakistan!
NYT COOKING FEATURES RECIPE FOR
CRUNCHY PAKISTANI SAMOSAS
NYT Cooking featured Pakistani-American food writer, Zainab
Shah’s recipe for the perfectly crunchy samosa. WATCH HERE.
11
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.ADVOCACY AND MEDIA OUTREACH
Jang News Columnist, International Media
Ahmad Waqas Riaz, Producer, Aman Azhar
called on Ambassador met with Ambassador
Dr. Asad M. Khan. Dr. Asad M. Khan
Ambassador Dr. Asad
M. Khan held a lunch
meeting with Dave
Lawler, World Editor,
Axios News
Ambassador hosted an Iftar Dinner at
the Embassy for Pakistani Journalists
based in the U.S.
12
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.TWITTER HIGHLIGHTS
13
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.BEYOND THE HEADLINES
PAKISTAN ELECTED TO THREE MAJOR PAKISTAN-AMERICAN APPOINTED
U.N. BODIES ASSISTANT CHIEF OF HOUSTON POLICE
14
Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.BEYOND THE HEADLINES
PAKISTANIS WHO MADE IT TO THE FORBES UNDER 30 LIST 2021
Hania Zia, Product Nabeel Siddiqui, M. Saquib Iman Jamall and Hasib Starting in strict
Manager, Digital Malik and Yaseen Khalid Malik, husband-and-wife lockdown conditions in
Pakistan, is one of the cofounded ModulusTech, duo founded CreditBook 2020 with a total
lead product managers which offers an innovative to empower micro, small investment of $300,000,
of Pakistan's pandemic flat-packed house that can and midsized businesses Muhammad Owais
tech response under the be set up within a day by across Pakistan. Their app Qureshi and Zohaib Ali
Digital Pakistan three people using simple helps small business set up Dastgyr, a B2B
initiative. hand tools. owners manage their retail marketplace in
In the depths of the finances by tracking cash Pakistan. The startup is
pandemic in June 2020, received and payments focused on solving
Jawaid and Jangda pending with automated inventory procurement
cofounded Bazaar, a B2B e- payment reminders sent challenges for more than
commerce platform. They out to customers. 2 million retailers across
have built a team of over the country.
300 employees. Their app -----
connects more than 12,000
mom and pop grocery Misha Japanwala is a
stores to wholesalers, visual artist and
Abdullah Siddiqui began
manufacturers and Shayan Mahmud is the designer whose work
producing English-
suppliers. Bazaar has managing partner of addresses issues such as
language electronic
raised the largest pre-seed Eikon7, an advertising domestic violence and
music at the age of 11
round in Pakistan and the and digital marketing honor killings in
and started releasing it
largest seed round in the agency with offices in Pakistan.
as an independent artist
Middle East and North Pakistan as well as
when he was 16.
Africa region, totaling a Romania, Rwanda and 15
combined $7.8 million. the U.A.E. Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.BEYOND THE HEADLINES
DUBAI-BORN PAKISTANI STUDENT PAKISTANI EDTECH EDKASA RAISES
TO REPRESENT 2.1M STUDENTS IN $320,000 PRE-SEED, FOR EXAM
CALIFORNIA PREP APP
Fiza Syed, a Dubai-based Pakistani student, was Lahore-based edtech Edkasa has raised $320,000
elected vice-president finance for Student Senate for in pre-seed funding led by i2i Ventures for the
California Community Colleges (SSCCC), a prestigious launch of its exam preparation app for high school
student body for 116 community colleges (matric and intermediate) students. The mobile
representing 2.1 million (m) students in California, app is available for Android and helps high school
US. students (Grade 9, 10, 11, and 12) prepare for their
standardized Board of Intermediate and Secondary
The SSCCC is a non-profit student organization
Education (BISE) exams.
recognized by the board of governors of the California
Community Colleges (CCC). It represents the CCC
READ HERE.
system in state-level shared governance and
legislative advocacy.
16
READ HERE Copyright © 2021 Embassy of Pakistan, All Rights Reserved.BEYOND THE HEADLINES
PAKISTAN’S YOUNGEST SQUASH PAKISTANI EDUCATOR NAMED AMONG MOST
PLAYER RANKED AMONG TOP HIGHLY CITED RESEARCHERS IN THE FIELD OF
100 PLAYERS IN THE WORLD COMPUTER SCIENCE
Pakistani educator, Dr. Mubashir
Husain Rehmani, was recognized
in Clarivate Analytics’ list of
‘Highly Cited Researchers’.
He was recognized for his
outstanding work in the field of
computer sciences over the last
decade, demonstrated by the
production of multiple highly-
cited papers that rank in the top
1% by citations for field and year
in the Web of Science™. READ HERE
Ahsan Ayaz a Pakistani-American PAKISTANI 4-YEAR OLD ACES THE MICROSOFT
professional squash player from CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL EXAM
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the youngest
player to be ranked among the top 100 Areesh Fatima, a 4-year-old
players in the world. He is Pakistan’s No. 1 Pakistani girl from Karachi,
player and has played for Pakistan in over 30 created history by becoming a
countries. Microsoft Certified Professional
Ahsan is preparing to play in the Lifetime at an exceptionally young age.
Plano Open 2021 in Dallas, Texas, with high The Government of Pakistan
aspirations of winning the tournament and declared her the ‘Pride of
making the country proud. Pakistan’ in recognition of her
READ HERE
achievements.
READ HERE. 17
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www.embassyofpakistanusa.org
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