U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, John Mark Pommersheim, concluded a five-day visit to Pakistan this week, highlighting ongoing cooperation between the two countries. During his stay, he met with senior Pakistani officials and business leaders, attended Pakistan’s Indus AI Week, and visited educational and cultural events. The trip focused on boosting trade, investment, and digital sector partnerships while reinforcing economic and security ties.
DAS Pommersheim held meetings with Director General of Military Operations Major General Kashif Abdullah, Director General of Military Intelligence Major General Wajid Aziz Khan, Minister of IT and Telecommunications Shaza Khawaja, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik. He also engaged with business leaders and alumni of U.S. exchange programs.
At Indus AI Week in Islamabad, he highlighted opportunities for U.S. companies in Pakistan’s IT, AI, and digital sectors, advocating for fair business competition and partnerships. He also recognized Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms under the IMF program and encouraged policies that support private sector-led growth and a transparent investment climate.
In Lahore, DAS Pommersheim experienced Pakistan’s cultural traditions during Basant celebrations and met with Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb to discuss U.S.-Pakistan business engagement and investment promotion.
He also visited the new building of the U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan, where he met alumni of U.S. exchange programs, underlining the long-standing educational and people-to-people ties between the countries.