Ambassador Sheikh underscored Pakistan’s relationship with the United States as one of the most consequential in modern history. Highlighting 2026 as a “year of action,” he expressed a commitment to working closely with US partners to achieve tangible results in the strategic partnership. Maintaining good relations between Islamabad and Washington is “crucial, given their large populations, and it’s not a matter of choice.”
Ambassador Sheikh Underscores Strategic Ties with US during Pakistan Day Commemoration
By Elaine Pasquini
Washington, DC: The Embassy of Pakistan held a solemn flag-hoisting ceremony on March 23, 2026, to commemorate the 86th Pakistan Day.
Following a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, raised the iconic Pakistani green flag, which features a stylized tilted white crescent moon with a five-pointed star in its center and a vertical white stripe at its hoist-end, designed by Syed Amir-uddin Kedwaii. During the inspiring ceremony, strains of Pakistan’s national anthem Qaumi Taranah, also known as Pak Sarzamin (Thy Sacred Land), filled the spacious courtyard with pride.
Special messages from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar were read aloud. The leadership reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the vision of its founding fathers, emphasizing a promising future and the nation’s role in promoting global and regional peace.
Representing the US Department of State, Deputy Assistant Secretary Ambassador John Pommersheim highlighted the deep-rooted nature of the bilateral relationship.
“Under President Trump, the US-Pakistan relationship has strengthened significantly,” Pommersheim told the group of US government officials, members of the Pakistani-American diaspora and embassy officers in attendance. “As Secretary Rubio said last year, we see an opportunity to expand our strategic and economic relationship with Pakistan.”
In his keynote address, Ambassador Sheikh characterized Pakistan Day as a celebration of the resolve that led to independence in 1947.
“Pakistan’s founding resilience proved its survival and sovereignty, defying early doubts and sustaining independence for 79 years,” the ambassador stated. The nation’s journey, he said, was one of “resolve translated into resilience,” particularly given the challenges of a volatile political and economic geography.
Ambassador Sheikh underscored Pakistan’s relationship with the United States as one of the most consequential in modern history. Highlighting 2026 as a “year of action,” he expressed a commitment to working closely with US partners to achieve tangible results in the strategic partnership. Maintaining good relations between Islamabad and Washington is “crucial, given their large populations, and it’s not a matter of choice.”
Noting Pakistan is a vital ally for regional safety, the ambassador stated: “Pakistan positions itself as a diplomatic and stability partner in a volatile region, offering credentials to support broader regional security architecture,” adding that Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to diplomacy and dialogue.
Addressing security challenges, Ambassador Sheikh reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to combat terrorism. Acknowledging that Pakistan remains a primary victim of global terrorism, he emphasized that the nation continues to bear this burden on behalf of the international community. “We are the front line in the international combat against terrorism, and we are not to be deterred,” the ambassador affirmed. “We will not allow our successes in this important domain to be dwarfed by any nemesis.”
Following the cutting of the special cake honoring the event, Ambassador Sheikh expressed gratitude to the participants for their unity and solidarity in celebrating the national day.
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
