ISLAMABAD: The United States Embassy in Islamabad on Monday inaugurated a new building for the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), aiming to bolster education exchange programs between the US and Pakistan.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by U.S. Embassy Islamabad’s Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Natalie A. Baker and Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar. CDA Baker described the occasion as a “historic event” and highlighted that the new purpose-built facility marks a major milestone in the longstanding U.S.-Pakistan educational partnership. This year also commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright program in Pakistan.
“Today, after almost four years of enormous effort, we are proud to open the new USEFP building,” said CDA Baker. She expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the project, including the USEFP team, the USEFP board, Nayyar Ali Dada & Associates, and Astral Constructors, as well as prominent donors such as Dr Raja Changez Sultan and corporate partners including KFC Pakistan, McDonald’s, and the BajCo Group.
The event also saw participation of distinguished officials from Washington, DC, including Ms Sherry Keneson-Hall, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Shelly Seaver from the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.
CDA Baker emphasised the importance of collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, noting that the ministry had helped secure the land for the new building at a greatly reduced rate. “This is more than a building; it is a symbol of the deep commitment both the United States and Pakistan have to education, innovation, and building a stronger future together,” she added.
The new USEFP facility will serve as a hub for educational and cultural engagement. It will include a Lincoln Corner, offering free educational and informational resources, EducationUSA advising services, an auditorium for speakers and training sessions, and spaces for public events and discussions.
Celebrating 75 years of the Fulbright program in Pakistan, CDA Baker noted that over 9,000 Pakistani students and scholars have studied in the United States, while more than 900 U.S. students and scholars have visited Pakistan. “The impact of these programs is immeasurable. They have broadened perspectives, deepened engagement, expanded business networks, and strengthened friendships between our countries,” she said.
She concluded by stressing that the new facility represents a shared vision for education and innovation, and she expressed hope for continued collaboration that would benefit generations to come.
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