Why US is a great country

First week of International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) ended the other day with rich and undoubtedly the best experience of my life. This was one of the best programmes which deserved without any prejudice the praise. To meet with candidates of multiple cultures and experiences with in-depth knowledge of their fields under one roof and to share with them the ways and means of working of public and private institutes, NGOs and governments is undoubtedly the best way to learn and to compare where things went wrong in our country and to which part we are going okay. Moreover, to be here in USA having awesome liaison officers and knowledgeable speakers helps me think broader and clearer. Being in the USA at the time of presidential campaign and experiencing how things work during this course of time is unforgettable and equally helpful to understand our own system of elections and campaigns where we lack transparency and accountability in elections and above all the public participation.

During this week, we visited cultural, historical and legislative buildings and offices and got to know the real and practical working of officials and elected legislatives. We attended workshops and meetings based on leadership, ethics, integrity, transparency, with attorneys and lawyers and the members of committees of House and Senate and the academicians. We also visited Capitol Hill and General Assembly and Senate Houses of Maryland State. All such visits, meetings and interactions with key personnel have not only enriched us about work ethics and dedication but also made us aware about the issues and problems they face to keep the system transparent and responsive.

US is a mixture of rich multiple cultures where everyone is truly free to follow their cultures. Here the best part is equality in diversity and everyone is treated equally without prejudice. People and institutes welcome visitors with open heart and mind and share without any fear. The US is undoubtedly a great country and a superpower because its officials, representatives and everyone else is always working.

I would really like to thank the US State Department, US Embassy in Pakistan and US Consulate in Lahore for providing me this great opportunity to learn new experiences and gain rich knowledge from multitalented speakers and participants from all across the world.

SAQIB-UR-RAIHMAN

AC Customs, FBR, Pakistan