US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson on Friday said the United States only supports democracy, and not a specific political party or person, including Minhajul Quran Chief Dr Tahirul Qadri. Talking to media representatives at a reception hosted for students, Olson added that the US would like to see free and fair elections for a bright future for Pakistan. He said the US does not support any particular political party but up holds democracy and the peaceful end to the long march has been encouraging. He said the people of Pakistan have the right to choose a better future and work in unison.
Olson said the US would continue to help Pakistan in the field of education. He said he was proud that his country had its own education programmeme for helping Pakistan. Commenting on the recent tensions between Pakistan and India, Olson said the two countries needed to work together for peace in the region and a ceasefire agreement along the line of control was encouraging.
“Education is the key to prosperity and economic growth,” said Olson. “I’m proud that my country has had a role in your education and helped your country, one student at a time,” he told 100 alumni of the Study in a US Institute (SUSI) exchange programme. The SUSI programme sends students from all regions of Pakistan to the United States for six weeks, to study at a US university. During the reunion, participants discussed their experiences in the United States and how they used what they learned and made plans to develop service projects in their hometowns.
“Your country needs you. Devote your time and energy to making Pakistan the country you want it to be,” Olson said. “We will continue to support you.” The ambassador encouraged students to apply for funding from the US Small Grants programme, which awards grants to individuals with promising proposals aimed at improving their communities in Pakistan. He also encouraged the students to remain engaged in alumni networks, through which they can organise community service projects, plan social activities, and benefit from professional development opportunities.
