WASHINGTON DC, 25 February 2022, (TON): World Affairs Councils of America hosted Ambassador Asad M. Khan for a virtual conversation. CEO and President of WACA, Mr. Bill Clifford moderated the event.

Mr. Clifford welcomed the Ambassador and highlighted that this year marks the 75th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the U.S. During the conversation, Ambassador Khan said that Pakistan and the U.S. are important allies and partners.

Over the past one year, a healthy momentum had been generated in laying down a foundation for structured and institutionalized bilateral dialogue processes in a number of areas of mutual interest.

On situation in Afghanistan, the Ambassador said that it remained a priority and principal concern for both the U.S. and Pakistan. Humanitarian situation in Afghanistan was a ticking time bomb.

However, humanitarian assistance alone would not work in Afghanistan. Helping Afghanistan’s economy getting back on its feet was essential for ensuring long term sustainable peace.

While Pakistan was playing its role in this regard, it was important for the international community to respond in a collective, effective and timely manner to ward off economic meltdown in Afghanistan that could ultimately result in refugee crisis, re-emergence of terrorism and narco-traffic in the region.