By Irfan Siddiqui
NEW YORK: The Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations hosted an inspiring gathering of young Pakistani Americans in New York, bringing together diplomats, community leaders, journalists, and youth representatives for a meaningful dialogue on leadership, national development, and the role of overseas Pakistanis in shaping Pakistan’s future.
The event, held at the Pakistan Mission in New York, reflected the growing importance being attached to engaging the Pakistani diaspora, particularly young people who continue to strengthen Pakistan’s image through their achievements across the United States. The seminar attracted a large number of Pakistani youth from different professional and academic backgrounds, all eager to hear from Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan.
In his keynote address, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan emphasized the immense potential of Pakistan’s youth and highlighted the importance of connecting overseas Pakistanis with national development initiatives. He spoke about the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people through education, innovation, entrepreneurship, sports, and digital skills. His message encouraged young Pakistanis abroad to remain connected with their homeland and contribute their knowledge, expertise, and experience to Pakistan’s progress.
The event was graciously hosted by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, whose diplomatic leadership and warm hospitality were evident throughout the programme. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar has earned respect for representing Pakistan with professionalism and clarity at the United Nations. Meeting him was personally memorable, particularly because he warmly recalled our meeting nearly a decade ago when he was serving as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Thailand. Such warmth and humility are qualities that leave a lasting impression.
One of the most inspiring moments of the evening was meeting Saima Saleem, one of Pakistan’s most accomplished diplomats. Despite being visually impaired, she has established herself as an outstanding representative of Pakistan on the international stage. Her professional excellence, determination, and dedication continue to inspire countless young people and have earned admiration both within Pakistan and abroad. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that commitment and talent can overcome even the greatest challenges.
The gathering also provided an opportunity to meet respected members of the Pakistani American community. Among them was veteran community figure Muhammad Riasat, whose continued engagement with community affairs remains widely appreciated. The presence of renowned senior journalist Azeem M. Mian, often regarded as one of the pioneers of Urdu journalism in the United States, added further distinction to the occasion. His decades of dedication to journalism and community service continue to inspire younger generations of media professionals.
Beyond the speeches, the seminar created an atmosphere of meaningful interaction between policymakers, diplomats, journalists, professionals, and students. Participants exchanged ideas, discussed opportunities for greater collaboration between Pakistan and its overseas community, and explored ways in which young Pakistanis living abroad can play a more active role in supporting education, innovation, investment, and national development.
The enthusiastic participation of young attendees demonstrated both their strong emotional connection with Pakistan and their desire to remain engaged with its future. Events of this nature help strengthen the bridge between Pakistan and its global diaspora by encouraging dialogue, fostering partnerships, and building networks that can benefit future generations.
As the evening concluded, it was evident that the seminar had become more than a formal gathering. It served as a platform for inspiration, renewed connections, and constructive engagement. Bringing together experienced diplomats, visionary leadership, respected journalists, community representatives, and ambitious young Pakistanis under one roof reflected a shared commitment to Pakistan’s progress and to empowering the next generation.
The New York gathering stands as another meaningful example of how Pakistan’s diplomatic mission continues to build stronger relationships with overseas Pakistanis while encouraging young people to remain active stakeholders in the country’s future. The conversations initiated during the seminar are likely to continue well beyond the walls of the Pakistan Mission, reinforcing the enduring bond between Pakistan and its global community.
