WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has described relations between Islamabad and Washington as “indispensable,” emphasising the need for sustained engagement and cooperation between the two nations amid evolving global challenges.

Speaking at a panel discussion titled “The Future of the US–Pakistan Relationship” at the Future Security Forum 2025 in Washington, Ambassador Sheikh said that good relations between the two countries were “not a matter of choice or preference” but a strategic necessity.

“Between the two mega countries of today and tomorrow  from both a present and a futuristic perspective  good relations are not a matter of choice or preference; they are indispensable,” he stated.

Organised jointly by Arizona State University, New America, and Security & Defence PLuS, the 11th Annual Forum brought together senior policymakers, defence experts, and thought leaders to discuss emerging global security dynamics.

Acknowledging US Role in Regional Stability:

The envoy expressed appreciation to the US leadership, particularly President Donald Trump, for helping facilitate the ceasefire that ended the recent 88-hour regional standoff.
He called it “a vital act that prevented escalation in a nuclear neighbourhood of 1.7 billion people.”

Focus on Diplomacy, Climate, and Economic Security:

Reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to diplomacy, stability, and pragmatic economic policies, Ambassador Sheikh said Pakistan and the US shared a consequential partnership rooted in collaboration on critical global issues such as counterterrorism and climate change.

Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate disasters, he described climate change as “an existential crisis” for the country.

“What we build every few years is washed away by floods, but we still must pay back what we borrowed to rebuild,” he said, stressing that Pakistan’s diplomacy is now deeply tied to climate and economic security.

He spoke of recurring floods, new weather phenomena like cloudbursts, and sequential climate disasters that have reversed development progress and damaged infrastructure.

Principled Stance on Kashmir and Regional Relations:

Reiterating Pakistan’s stance on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Sheikh called for international mediation to help Kashmiris realise their right to self-determination in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
He maintained that peace in South Asia would remain elusive without resolving the Kashmir dispute.

The ambassador also rejected “camp politics,” asserting that Pakistan seeks balanced foreign relations.

“There is no binary choice for us. Our relationship with China didn’t start yesterday, and it is not ending tomorrow,” he remarked, describing the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a vehicle for regional connectivity and prosperity.

He recalled Pakistan’s historic role in facilitating rapprochement between Washington and Beijing decades ago, expressing readiness to play a similar role today as an “economic bridge for global peace and progress.”

Afghanistan, Refugees, and Regional Stability:

Condemning cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan, Sheikh noted Pakistan’s heavy sacrifices in the fight against terrorism but reaffirmed that diplomacy remains the preferred approach for resolving issues with both Afghanistan and India.

On the Afghan refugee issue, he clarified that Pakistan was only repatriating undocumented or illegal residents and sought to ensure their dignified return.
He added that cross-border movement should be visa-based, in line with international norms.

Views on Ukraine Conflict and Global Peace:

Commenting on the Ukraine conflict, the envoy welcomed ongoing US-led peace efforts under President Trump’s leadership and expressed hope for their success.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Sheikh thanked the organisers and engaged in a Q&A session with the audience, reiterating Pakistan’s enduring commitment to global peace, dialogue, and mutual respect in international relations.