EMBASSY of

THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTANin WASHINGTON, D.C.

December 2019 Newsletter

The end of the decade marked the 143rd

birthday celebration of Pakistan’s founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

TABLE OF CONTENTSEMBASSY OUTREACH…………………....……...…..……...…………………………………..….14• Pakistan Represented at Winternational 2019 – 8th Annual Embassy

Showcase• Ambassador Attends Sindhi Culture Day Event Hosted by SANA• Amb. Attends All Neighbors’ Annual Christmas Celebration Dinner• Ambassador Attends 6th Annual Appna Pun Banquet in NJ

AT THE EMBASSY…………..……….....………………..……...................................................17• Ambassador Celebrates Christmas with Embassy Staff

THINK TANK EVENTS…………..……….....………………..……...........................................18• Ambassador Speaks at SDI

ATACADEMIC OUTREACH…………..……….....………………..……………………………….19• Ambassador Briefs Students & Faculty of Elliott School of Intl. Affairs, GW

University

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY…………..……….....………………..……............................................20

TOURISM……………………..……….....………………..…….....................................................21• Pak. Secures First Spot on Condé Nast Traveler Magazine’s Top

Holiday Destinations for 2020• Wanderlust’s 2020 Hot List Destination Highlights 9 of Pak.’s Most

Breathtaking Natural Wonders

MISCELLANEOUS…………..……….....………………..……....................................................23

POSITIVE NEWS……………………..……….....………………..……........................................24• Aamna Nawaz Becomes First Pakistan-American to Moderate a Presidential

Debate • Sri Lanka Captain Declares Pakistan 200% Safe for Cricket

AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE……………………………....……....…..................................................3

QUAID-E-AZAM DAY….……………….………....……....……...........................................................4

PAKISTAN-U.S………..…….………....……....……………………..................................................5• Senator Lindsey Graham Visits Pakistan• U.S. Deputy Asst. Sec. for Pak. Affairs Visits Pakistan• U.S. to Resume Military Training Program for Pakistan• U.S. Deputy Asst. Sec. for Pak. Affairs Addresses the Federation of Pakistan

Chambers of Commerce

ECONOMY………………………….……………..……………..................................................................8• Moody’s Upgrades Pakistan’s Outlook• IMF Executive Board Completes First Review of Pakistan’s Extended Fund Facility• Pakistan Identified as One of Five Strong Regions for International Franchise

Expansion in 2020

KASHMIR ……………………………....….……….….…………….……..……………………......................9• PM Khan Warns the World

U.S. CONGRESS..……………………………....………..……………………………………………………..10• House Resolution 745• House Resolution 724

TWEETS.…….……………………….………….......………….…….………………………….....................11

MEDIA…………….……………………………….......……………….…………………………….................11• Editorials• The Washington Post: Modi Should Listen

OPINIONS………………….…………………………......……….………….….…………………..….…..….13• Foreign Policy: If You Think Kashmir Was Turbulent in 2019, Wait for Next Year• Christian Amanpour Speaks to Journalists• India Clamps Down on Marches, Internet After Deadly Protests • Ambassador Gives Detailed Interview to Express Newspaper 2

AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE Dr. Asad M. Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States

Dear friends,

As we come to the end of a historic and momentous year of Pakistan-U.S. ties, I wish toshare with you some of the highlights that made 2019 a significant year for bothcountries.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Donald J. Trump had two excellent meetings,the first on July 22 at the White House and the second on September 23 on the sidelinesof UN General Assembly in New York. Both leaders spoke over the phone a number oftimes throughout the year and developed good chemistry with each other.

We are grateful to President Trump for the warm hospitality extended by him to thePrime Minister during his visit to the U.S. in July. The Prime Minister’s visit wasmomentous in every respect. The community event at Capital One Arena was attendedby over 20,000 Pakistani Americans from all over the U.S. It was a milestone and areflection of the growing strength and influence of our community in America.

President Trump also took keen interest in the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and madepublic statements on several occasions to offer mediation between Pakistan and India.The U.S. Congress held two hearings on Kashmir, first on October 22 (House ForeignAffairs Sub-Committee on Asia and Pacific), and then on November 14 (Tom LantosHuman Rights Commission). Over 70 congressmen, both Senators and Republicans,including Democrats as well as Republicans, made public statements urging India to endatrocities in Kashmir. The diaspora played a vital role in lending voice to the Kashmiripeople by engaging Congressional representatives on this issue and sensitizing them onthe gravity of the situation in the Kashmir Valley.

Meanwhile, the barbarity of the Indian government under Prime Minister Modicontinued unabated. On August 5, India committed a folly by unilaterally changing thestatus of Jammu and Kashmir, in violation of its own constitution and its internationalobligations. The communications blockade and curfew has continued for the last fivemonths and thousands of innocent Kashmiris have been incarcerated, beaten, torturedand held captive in their own homes, cut off from their loved ones. The worldcondemned India’s leadership over its draconian actions.

The people of Pakistan hope that President Trump, the U.S. political leadership, as wellas the international community will continue to impress upon India to end violence inJammu & Kashmir and to settle the dispute in accordance with UNSC resolutions and thewill of the Kashmiri people.

The opening of Kartarpur Corridor on November 9 was another historic development. The Sikh holy sitesituated along the Pakistan-India border now has a dedicated corridor for religious pilgrims of Sikh faithto visit from all over the world.

Also in December, international cricket returned to Pakistan for the first time since 2009 with the SriLankan Cricket team playing two Test matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi. The cricket was exciting, andthe crowds witnessed history as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the second Test and won the series 1-0.

From the Embassy’s perspective, December was another busy month. We hosted and attendedceremonies to commemorate Christmas, the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah,Human Rights Day and cultural events arranged by the Sindhi community in North America as well asthe Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), New Jersey region. I alsospoke at the Sustained Dialogue Institute (SDI) and addressed students from George WashingtonUniversity (GWU).

To showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, the Embassy participated in Winternational 2019, acultural event attended by over 60 diplomatic missions based in Washington D.C.

As we bid farewell to 2019, I pray for a wonderful and blessed New Year for you and your loved onesand hope that 2020 will bring good tidings for all of us.

Long Live Pakistan-U.S. friendship.

On Afghanistan, Pakistan continued to play a constructive role in facilitatingpeace talks between the U.S. and the Taliban. Although the talks weresuspended by President Trump in September, Pakistan has reiterated itsdesire to all parties that it remains committed to playing a positive role inbringing lasting peace to Afghanistan.

Pakistan also took significant strides towards socio-economic uplift of thecountry. The Government was able to secure IMF structural adjustmentprogram and has brought in macro-economic reforms to stabilize theeconomy and control inflation and current account deficit. Internationallenders and credit rating agencies are beginning to acknowledge the resultsof Pakistan’s economic reforms and there is hope that Pakistan’s economywill attract foreign investors and tourism.

Pakistan climbed 28 positions to 108 in the Ease of Doing BusinessRankings. It was also rated no. 1 tourist destination to visit in 2020 byConde Nast Traveler Magazine.

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QUAID-E-AZAM DAY

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Watch more here!

PAKISTAN-U.S.: SENATOR LINDSAY GRAHAM VISITS PAKISTAN

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US Senator Lindsey Graham visited Pakistan in December. He called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood

Qureshi and Army Chief Gen. Qamar Bajwa. Bilateral relations and the Afghan peace process were discussed.

PAKISTAN-U.S.: THE U.S. SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR AFGHANISTAN RECONCILIATION VISITS

PAKISTAN

The U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, calledon Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi on 13 December 2019. AmbassadorKhalilzad apprised the Foreign Minister of the latest situation in the Afghan peace process.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support as well asfacilitating role in the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. He said Pakistan believed thatPresident Trump’s decision to resume dialogue with the Taliban was a positive development, to helpestablish peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.

PAKISTAN-U.S.: U.S. TO RESUME MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAM FOR PAKISTANThe U.S. State Department announced that the Trumpadministration has approved a resumption of Pakistan’sparticipation in the International Military Education and TrainingProgram (IMET).The decision to resume Islamabad’s participation in the programunderscores warming relations that have followed meetings thisyear between U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani PrimeMinister Imran Khan.A State Department spokeswoman said the program “provides anopportunity to increase bilateral cooperation between ourcountries on shared priorities,”... “We want to continue to build onthis foundation through concrete actions that advance regionalsecurity and stability.”

Read more here.

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PAKISTAN-U.S.: U.S. DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR PAKISTAN AFFAIRS VISITS

PAKISTAN U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Pakistan Affairs, Ervin Massinga

paid an extensive visit to Pakistan in December. DAS Massinga visited

Kartarpur and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for promoting interfaith

harmony. During his visit, Mr. Massinga also visited Islamabad and

Karachi, and interacted with students and entrepreneurs.

PAKISTAN-U.S.: U.S. DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR PAKISTAN AFFAIRS ADDRESSES THE FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

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U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Pakistan Affairs,Ervin Massinga addressed the Federation of PakistanChambers of Commerce. In his remarks he said, “TheUnited States is committed to the future of Pakistanthrough our economic cooperation.

Through our joint efforts, we’ve increased exportsand imports in critical areas that will provide mutualbenefits to both Pakistanis and Americans for thefuture.

We are committed to developing further trade ties,investments in energy, in technology and the digitaleconomy, and providing developmental assistancethat will build the right conditions in Pakistan tosupport economic growth for the twenty-firstcentury.

We are encouraged by Pakistan’s efforts to developmarket-based policies and follow internationalnorms to develop future trade and investmentopportunities and urge Pakistan to remain resolutein these efforts.” Read more here.

ECONOMY: MOODY'S UPGRADES PAKISTAN’S OUTLOOK FROM NEGATIVE TO STABLE

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Moody's Investors Services upgraded Pakistan's outlook from'negative' to 'stable', reaffirming the country's rating of B3."The rating affirmation reflects Pakistan's relatively largeeconomy and robust long-term growth potential, coupledwith ongoing institutional enhancements that raise policycredibility and effectiveness, albeit from a low starting point"Moody's said in a statement.

The upgrade was welcomed by the Ministry of Finance. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh also lauded the news and said that the development is an "affirmation of government's success in stabilizing the country’s economy and laying a firm foundation for robust long-term growth".

ECONOMY: MOODY'S UPGRADES PAKISTAN’S

OUTLOOK FROM NEGATIVE TO STABLE

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) onDecember 19, 2019 completed the first review of Pakistan’s economicperformance under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The completionof the review will allow the authorities to draw SDR 328 million (aboutUS$ 452.4 million), bringing total disbursements to SDR 1,044 million(about US$ 1,440 million).

Following the Executive Board’s decision, Mr. David Lipton, FirstDeputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, said “Pakistan’s programis on track and has started to bear fruit.” He added that decisive policyimplementation by the Pakistani authorities is helping to preserveeconomic stability aiming to put the economy on the path ofsustainable growth.

Read more here.

Read more here.

ECONOMY: PAKISTAN IDENTIFIED AS ONE OF FIVE STRONG REGIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPANSION IN 2020

Forbes Magazine identified Pakistan as one of the top fiveregions globally for international franchise expansion in2020. Bill Chemero, Forbes Councils Member quotedExport.gov, “The concept of franchising is quickly gainingacceptance in Pakistan, especially in the hospitality and foodservice sectors … Several major U.S. hotel chains, along with arapidly growing number of major U.S. restaurants and U.S.car rental companies are currently represented in Pakistanthrough franchisees.” A number of major U.S.franchises already operate in Pakistan. He attributed much ofthe appeal to Pakistan’s flourishing middle class.

Read more here.

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KASHMIR: PRIME MINISTER IMRAN KHAN WARNS THE WORLD

FROM U.S. CONGRESS:

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Congresswoman Pramila Jayapalintroduces H.RES 745 - Urging theRepublic Of India to end therestrictions on communications andmass detentions in Jammu AndKashmir as swiftly as possible andpreserve religious freedom for allresidents.

Congresswoman Rashida

Tlaib introduces H.RES 724 -

Condemning the human

rights violations taking place

in Jammu and Kashmir and

supporting Kashmiri self-

determination.

TWEETS

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Ambassador Dr. Asad M.Khan was interviewed by Ms. Mona

Khan, Columnist Express Newspaper during her visit to United

States. Ambassador Khan briefed her about the working of the

Embassy, current state of relations between Pakistan & the US

and role played by the Embassy in facilitating Pakistani American

community.

AMBASSADOR GIVES A DETAILED INTERVIEWTO EXPRESS NEWSPAPER

MEDIA

EDITORIALS IN U.S. MEDIA

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The citizenship bill was the first action that linked religion to citizenship,undermining a fundamental tenet of India’s democracy. Some non-MuslimIndian liberals, including members of the once-dominant Congress Party, havejoined in the protests. The law has also drawn sharp criticism from humanrights groups and governments. The Office of the United Nations HighCommissioner for Human Rights called the citizenship bill “fundamentallydiscriminatory,” and the United States State Department issued astatement urging India to “protect the rights of its religious minorities inkeeping with India’s Constitution and democratic values.

Mr. Modi’s hold on power remains firm, but the protests at home and abroadhave demonstrated limits to how far Indians will allow him to go in pursuit ofhis Hindu-nationalist agenda.

Read more here.

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Modi Makes His Bigotry Even Clearer Dec 18

Peaceful protests against the citizenship law, led by students andcitizens of all faiths, should be regarded as a moment of truth forMr. Modi and his party. They should admit the discriminatorycitizenship law was a mistake and junk it. More broadly, theyshould listen to the voices in the streets. They are the world’slargest democracy talking.”

Read more here.

THE WASHINGTON POST: India marks a new low for a democracy • Dec 19

The Kashmir blackout is noteworthy for its duration, its scale and itsobvious place in a toolbox of repression India has used to crack down onthe civil liberties and basic dignity of its Muslim population. Thegovernment has ordered at least three more statewide shutdownsrecently in response to protests over the country’s new citizenship lawthat promises to further marginalize the minority.

India may have earned the distinction of longest shutdown by ademocracy, but the better question is how long a country that follows thissinister path can truly be called a democracy at all.

Read more here.

THE WASHINGTON POST: The world’s largest democracy is pushing back. Modi should listen. • Dec 23

FOREIGN POLICY: IF YOU THINK KASHMIR WAS TURBULENT IN 2019, WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR

By Kathryn Salam

December 19

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The ongoing internet blackout in Indian-administered Kashmir is now the longest everimposed in a democracy. Scores of pro-independence leaders have been locked up.And even more civilians have been thrown injail on dubious pretexts. Beyond the humanrights implications, it seems clear that thesituation could easily spark another explosionof pro-independence protest, violence, andeven acts of terrorism—all of which wouldsurely bring Kashmir back to the fore.

MORE FROM U.S. MEDIA

Read more here.

CNN: CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR SPEAKS TO JOURNALISTS WHO ENTERED KASHMIR TOREPORT ON GROUND REALITIES

Dec. 19 19

The New Yorker's Dexter Filkinsand Indian journalist Rana Ayyubteamed up to sneak into Indian-occupied Kashmir. CNN’sChristiane Amanpour spoke withthe team regarding the groundrealities in the region where acomplete lockdown andcommunications blockade stillpersists, a complete contradictionto what the Indian media isprojecting.

Read more here.

INDIA CLAMPS DOWN ON MARCHES, INTERNET AFTER DEADLY PROTESTS

By Associated Press

Dec. 27Twenty-three people have been killednationwide in the protests, the first majorroadblock for Prime Minister NarendraModi’s Hindu nationalist agenda since hisparty’s landslide reelection earlier this year.Twenty-three people have been killednationwide in the protests, the first majorroadblock for Prime Minister NarendraModi’s Hindu nationalist agenda since hisparty’s landslide reelection earlier this year.

Read more here.

EMBASSY OUTREACH: PAKISTAN REPRESENTED AT WINTERNATIONAL 2019- 8TH ANNUAL EMBASSY SHOWCASE

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Ambassador Dr. Asad M Khan with other dignitaries at the

Winternational 2019 - 8th Annual Embassy Showcase held on

December 5, 2019.

Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan visited the Pakistani stall

established by the Embassy of Pakistan at the

Winternational 2019 - 8th Annual Embassy Showcase

held on December 5, 2019.

The Embassy of Pakistan,

Washington DC proudly

showcased the art, food,

handicrafts as well as travel

and tourism of Pakistan at

the “Winternational 2019 -

8th Annual Embassy

Showcase" where 61

countries set up their stalls.

Winternational is an exciting

celebration showcasing the

cultural and culinary

traditions of Washington’s

diplomatic community.

EMBASSYOUTREACH

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AMBASSADOR ATTENDS SINDHI CULTUREDAY EVENT HOSTED BY THE SINDHIASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA (SANA)

The Sindhi Association of North America, (SANA) Washington DCchapter invited Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan to a Sindhi Cultureday event. Appreciating Sindhi culture, Ambassador said it waspart of the beautiful mosaic of rich Pakistani cultural heritage.Ambassador Khan also informed the audience about thegovernment’s efforts to promote cultural and other forms oftourism in Pakistan as well as policies to facilitate issuance of visain this regard.

Read more here.

AMBASSADOR ATTENDS ALL NEIGHBORS’ ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION DINNER

Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan was the Chief Guest at the AnnualChristmas Celebration Dinner hosted by All NeighborsInternational at Adams Center, Chantilly, Virginia. In his remarks,Ambassador Khan highlighted Prime Minister Imran Khan and hisGovernment’s commitment to promote interfaith harmony inPakistan.

Read more here.

Ambassador Khan addressing

at the Annual Christmas

Celebration Dinner hosted by

All Neighbors International at

Adams Center in Chantilly,

Virginia on December 1, 2019.

Ambassador addressing at the Sindhi Association

of North America, Washington DC Chapter on

December 1, 2019.

EMBASSY OUTREACH

AMBASSADOR ATTENDS THE 6TH ANNUAL APPNA PUN BANQUET IN NEW JERSEY

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Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan attended the 6th Annual APPNA PUN Banquet

in New Jersey on 09 Dec 2019 and briefed the participants on bilateral

relations as well as positive developments in Pakistan on both economic and

security fronts.

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AT THE EMBASSY: AMBASSADOR CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS WITH EMBASSY STAFF

Happy

Holidays and

New Year!

THINK TANK EVENTS:

AMBASSADOR SPEAKS AT THE SUSTAINED DIALOGUE INSTITUTE (SDI)

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The Sustained Dialogue Institute (SDI) in collaboration with the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, hosted Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan for an interactive discussion as part of its Ambassador Dialogue Series.

In his remarks, Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan briefed the audience on a wide range of issues including Pakistan-US bilateral relationship and recent developments in the region with a particular focus on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Indian Occupied

Jammu & Kashmir (IOJK) and its implications for peace and security in South Asia. Read more here.

ACADEMIC OUTREACH: AMBASSADOR BRIEFS STUDENTS & FACULTY OF ELLIOTT SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

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Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan briefed students & faculty of Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University ON December 6, 2019. Ambassador Khan spoke about Pakistan-US

relations and the region, focusing in particular on the humanitarian crisis triggered by India’s continuing lockdown in Occupied Kashmir and its implications for peace in South Asia.

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

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Follow the Ambassador

here!

TOURISM: PAKISTAN SECURES FIRST SPOT ON CONDE NAST TRAVELER MAGAZINE’S TOP HOLIDAY DESTINATION FOR 2020

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Conde Nast Traveler Magazine namedPakistan as its number one holidaydestination for 2020. The article saysPakistan is entering a new era at the startof the new decade.

Jonny Bealby, founder and CEO ofadventure-tour operator Wild Frontierssays, ‘A focus on security measures,which saw the British FCO lift its adviceagainst travel to large parts of the north,and the election of Imran Khan, who hasvowed to increase international touristnumbers, has already had an impact’.

Read more here.

BALTORO GLACIER

NEELUM VALLEY

HINGOL NATIONAL PARK

TOURISM: PAKISTAN SECURES FIRST SPOT ON CONDE NAST TRAVELER MAGAZINE’S TOP

HOLIDAY DESTINATION FOR 2020

TRANGO TOWERS

From magical Himalayan valleys to lunarlandscapes of bubbling mud volcanoes,Wanderlust's 2020 Hot List destinationPakistan offers a diversity ofextraordinary natural beauty without thecrowds… Read more here.

DEOSAI PLAINS

TOURISM CONTINUED

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Read more here!

MISCELLANEOUS: GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION ORGANISES A MOCK-MEHNDI

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The Pakistani Students’ Association of George

Washington University organized a mock-mehndi to

showcase wedding festivities and culture of Pakistan.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

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Pakistan hosted its first Cricket test series against Sri Lanka. Sir LankanCaptain Dimuth Karunaratne called the security for the two-test series“200%” and promised to return.

“Pakistan fans are really good – they kept supporting us. What I can say is that

it’s really safe here and that all the other countries playing cricket – they can

come and play Tests, T20s or one-dayers – it’s safe to play in Pakistan.”Read more here.

Read more here.

Amna Nawaz, a senior national

correspondent for PBS NewsHour,

is the first Pakistani-American to

host a presidential debate. She was

one of four moderators of

the December 19 2019 Democratic

presidential primary debate being

hosted by PBS and Politico at

Loyola Marymount University in

Los Angeles.

AAMNA NAWAZ

BECOMES FIRST

PAKISTAN-AMERICAN

TO MODERATE A

PRESIDENTIAL

DEBATE

SRI LANKA CAPTAIN DECLARES PAKISTAN ‘200%’ SAFE FOR CRICKET

Read more here.

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Compiled and edited by the Information Wing, Embassy of Pakistan, Washington, D.C.

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