Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Untied States, Masood Khan, has lauded the immense con-tributions made by the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) towards strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system in dealing with other challenges, including floods.
“Our doctors have succeeded in the United States beyond imagination — it is a matter of pride for Pakistan and the diaspora community, ” he said at the 10th annual banquet of APPNA’s Delaware Valley Chapter, which represents Pakistani doctors’ of Eastern Pennsylvania, Upper Delaware and South New Jersey.
The ambassador said Pakistani-American physicians were a valuable asset of Pakistan and the United States.
Pakistan, he said, has problems, but they will be just a blip in the country’s long history. “We will negotiate a transition. We have the wherewithal to do that.” While Pakistan had lagged behind in some ar-eas, it had also progressed in many walks of life, Masood Khan pointed out.
“Our human capital is increasing,” he said, adding this was not the time for the Pakistani community to be polarized. This, he added, was a moment to consolidate gains and to be part of the United States’ mainstream.
“You should not be on the fringes. You should be in the mainstream because you have the requisite competencies to do that,” he told the gathering.
The Ambassador also expressed satisfaction at the growing numbers and influence of Pakistani-Americans in the US political system and other sectors.
He expressed appreciation for the services of Tarik Khan, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Pakistani and the US community. Tarik Khan recently introduced a successful resolution to declare Eid-ul-Fitr as a holiday in the state of Pennsylvania. —APP
