Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan has underlined the urgent need for a ceasefire in Palestine, calling for immediate humanitarian assistance and the recognition of Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

He expressed these remarks while addressing the Spring meeting of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) in the U.S. state of Illinois.

In a passionate speech to over 570 attendees, Ambassador Masood Khan underscored the invaluable contributions of the Pakistani diaspora, particularly physicians, in the United States. He commended the APPNA for its relentless dedication to both medical excellence and community service, which has illuminated the positive essence of Pakistan and its people.

The Ambassador expressed gratitude to President Asif Mohiuddin and Chair Sajid Mehmood for the opportunity to address the esteemed gathering.

The Ambassador outlined the burgeoning bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in healthcare. He disclosed pivotal decisions made during recent high-level health dialogues, including the proposal to establish a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) branch in Pakistan for enhanced disease surveillance.

Emphasizing the substantial investments made by Pakistani-American doctors in various sectors of healthcare, Masood Khan urged for expanded investment in Pakistan, citing promising prospects in telemedicine, pharmaceuticals, and IT. He highlighted Pakistan's burgeoning IT industry, boasting 192 million mobile phone users and 135 million broadband subscribers, which has positioned the country as a cost-effective destination for IT investments.

Encouraging confidence in Pakistan as a favorable investment destination, Ambassador Khan reiterated the enduring bond between the Pakistani diaspora and the United States, describing it as a resilient asset for both nations.

Speaking on the occasion, notable political figures, including Congressman Jamaal Bowman and Congresswoman Delia Remirez, highlighted the significance of Pakistani-American contributions to American society.

In a heartfelt video message, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar acknowledged the selfless commitment of Pakistani physicians within the APPNA to medical education and community welfare and expressed enduring gratitude for their impactful endeavors.

Earlier, the Ambassador also interacted with Pakistani community at the residence of Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago. Masood Khan engaged with Pakistani community members, discussing investment opportunities in Pakistan's IT, agriculture, renewable energy, and extractives industries. He underscored Pakistan's potential to emerge as a regional tech hub, leveraging its youthful talent pool and rapid tech industry growth.

In conclusion, Ambassador Khan reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for investment and business growth, inviting the Pakistani diaspora to contribute to the nation's prosperity and development