A : “ We have just had a very successful national day event where we presented some of the richest creative work through Pakistani photographers . I want to highlight Pakistan ’ s cultural venue . I think artistic expression is perhaps the best way to bring people together . Paintings , music , photography , and the various other art mediums are beyond boundaries because they touch human emotions . It ignores your geography , ethnicity , and ideology . It will be my endeavor to build these bridges and connect people cross culturally . My office has already started the conversation with several local organizations such as the Asia Society and the Museums to see how we can best collaborate . I would like present our cultural events as not a select gathering but to be an open event where anyone can walk in and get a flavor of Pakistan . This is what I want to do going forward .”
the United States spans over seven decades , being as old as Pakistan . We are actually celebrating the 70th anniversary of Pakistan this August . The United states was one of the first countries that Pakistan established diplomatic relations with . It has been a steadily good relationship , while having its share of challenges . We have commonalities of interest whither it be regional or global . Pakistan and the United States have worked closely on several occasions with bearings on international security , making this an incredibly important relationship for both parties . We value this and consider it our most important diplomatic relationship .
Zooming in to the local level , My team and I here at the consulate would like to see a greater awareness within the communities of our jurisdiction of what Pakistan really is . During my time serving as Consul General here it has been my impression that the reality of Pakistan is eclipsed by the perception of Pakistan . The perception of Pakistan is not accurate anymore and reality is very different . It seems as if there is a lag between the two . It is my endeavor to raise awareness amongst the community as to what modern Pakistan ’ s reality looks like . This can manifest in several ways such as art and collaborations in the cultural creative fields . Its an ongoing objective and I do not think once can every really that they have achieved all of their goals because these are journeys , not destinations .”
Q : Is there anything we have not talked about that you would like to discuss ?
A : “ We have just had a very successful national day event where we presented some of the richest creative work through Pakistani photographers . I want to highlight Pakistan ’ s cultural venue . I think artistic expression is perhaps the best way to bring people together . Paintings , music , photography , and the various other art mediums are beyond boundaries because they touch human emotions . It ignores your geography , ethnicity , and ideology . It will be my endeavor to build these bridges and connect people cross culturally . My office has already started the conversation with several local organizations such as the Asia Society and the Museums to see how we can best collaborate . I would like present our cultural events as not a select gathering but to be an open event where anyone can walk in and get a flavor of Pakistan . This is what I want to do going forward .”
After hearing all of the Consul General ’ s goals and ambitions I am excited to attend the various events they have planned related to both culture and international trade here in Houston . Bridging the gaps of culture and ethnicity through artistic mediums will further improve the relationship between the United States and Pakistan . Her attitude of always wanting to move forward and improve is evident in the way she tackles issues and promotes diplomacy . She expresses such natural happiness and excitement in her work that I cannot help but be inspired .
iF Magazine | www . iFMagazine . net 51