Business Recorder
KARACHI: With relations between Pakistan and the United States showing steady improvement, overseas Pakistanis see a timely opportunity to hold trade and investment conferences in the US aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties and expanding investment and trade flows between the two countries. Talking to Business Recorder at a dinner hosted by the Karachi Press Club (KPC) in honour of Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, President of the Houston-Karachi Sister City Association, on the occasion of his conferment of the civil award Sitara-e-Khidmat, he said Pakistan has played a key role during the recent war crisis, and as a result, relations between the two countries are now significantly better than before. He said that key discussions have already taken place with senior officials, including the US Consul General in Karachi and representatives from the US Embassy, to explore the possibility of organising bilateral trade and investment conferences. Pakistani-American community leader Muhammad Saeed Sheikh was conferred the prestigious civil award Sitara-e-Khidmat by the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, during an official investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on May 13, 2026. The award was presented in recognition of his 45 years of humanitarian service, civic leadership, and contributions toward strengthening Pakistan-United States relations. Sheikh said that decades of efforts dedicated to trade and institutional connectivity have been aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economic future, with a renewed focus now shifting toward economic development and investment-led growth. He said that platforms such as chambers of commerce and sister city associations have played an important role in building official linkages between cities like Karachi and international partners, helping promote business connectivity, exchanges, and cooperation between organizations. Highlighting Pakistan’s current priorities, he said that while humanitarian and social needs remain important, the country’s immediate focus must be on trade, investment, and economic development. He said there is growing consensus on establishing a structured forum to further strengthen economic engagement, particularly in light of evolving US-Pakistan relations. Sheikh said that recent developments, referred to as “Ma’arka-e-Haq,” have significantly reshaped Pakistan’s image and global perception, particularly among overseas Pakistanis and within the broader American public. He said that the impact of these developments has been strongly felt in the US, where the sentiments of the Pakistani diaspora have notably shifted. According to him, overseas Pakistanis now express greater confidence and pride in their national identity, especially in light of recent national events and security-related achievements. Expressing gratitude after receiving the civil award, Muhammad Saeed Sheikh said the recognition belonged to all individuals, volunteers, organizations, and supporters who worked alongside him in serving humanity and promoting goodwill between communities. He dedicated this recognition to the people of Pakistan, the overseas Pakistani community, and all those who believe in compassion, unity, and service beyond borders. Sheikh also expressed sincere appreciation to Syed Javaid Anwar, prominent Pakistani-American oil tycoon, entrepreneur, and billionaire philanthropist, for his unwavering support, encouragement, and commitment toward humanitarian, educational, and community development initiatives that have positively impacted countless lives. He also reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving humanity and strengthening relations between Pakistan and the United States. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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