Pakistan is grappling with challenges of erratic climate change: Ambassador Masood

 NEW MEXICO, Sep 5 (SABAH): “Pakistan is grappling with the challenges of erratic climate change including the issue of water resource management which is critical to meet the requirements of population, especially the agriculture sector of the country which serves as the backbone of our economy,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States.

“No single country can singlehandedly deal with these multifaceted challenges and therefore we look forward to even greater cooperation from the United States in tackling these issues,” he said. “The recently held high level Pak-US dialogue on climate change and the “Green Alliance” initiative are positive developments. This momentum needs to be maintained and furthered strengthened,” he continued.

Ambassador Masood Khan made these remarks during his meeting with US Representative Melanie Stansbury here in Albuquerque New Mexico. Representative Stansburry has an extensive experience in the field of water resources. The Ambassador is on a 03-day visit to New Mexico, the first ever visit by any Pakistani Ambassador to the state.

During the meeting, Masood Khan highlighted that the recent momentum in Pak-US relations has resulted in important high-level dialogues in critical areas of climate change, renewable energy, health, trade and investment anti-narcotics, security and defence and counter-terrorism. “Enhanced trade and investment ties and promoting people to people drives Pak-US relationship post withdrawal period,” he observed.

He said that Pakistan and New Mexico could forge mutual beneficial partnership in extractive industry, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and tech-start-ups. Masood Khan also thanked Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury for her continued support to Pakistani diaspora in New Mexico, especially during the murder case of Pakistan descent Muhammad Afzal Hussein.

“We are deeply indebted to you for your steadfast support to the community and to the family of late Muhammad Afzal Hussein. It had helped restoring the confidence of diaspora after the tragic incident,” he said. Warmly welcoming the Ambassador to New Mexico, Representative Melanie Stansbury noted the presence and important role being played by Pakistani community in socio-economic life of New Mexico.

“We consider Pakistani community here in New Mexico as a part of the fabric of our culture,” said Representative Stansbury. She expressed her deep condolences and sympathies over the tragic incident of killing of Muhammad Afzal Hussein stating that “Muhammad Afzal Hussein was an extraordinary man.”

“I don’t know that I’m actually fully recovered from it myself. It was a challenging time and it was definitely a great loss,” said Melanie Stansbury recalling his contribution towards her campaign and also his contributions towards the communities. The Ambassador appreciated that the commitment of top leadership of New Mexico has provided an enabling environment to minorities in New Mexico to integrate themselves into the mainstream.

The Ambassador also shared his proposal of establishing sister-province agreement with New Mexico which was fully endorsed by Rep. Stansburry. Masood Khan also extended invitation to Rep. Melanie Stansbury to visit Pakistan which she gladly accepted.