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Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
A fond farewell: Honoring the people, partnerships, and flavours of Punjab
As my two-year term as US Consul General in Lahore comes to a close, my colleagues and friends are often asking me: "What will you miss most about Pakistan?" The answer is simple: the people and the food! I've been fortunate to travel and work all across Punjab Province — from Attock to Rahim Yar Khan — spending quality time in more than 20 districts. Everywhere I've gone, I've been greeted by such warm Pakistani hospitality, and I've had the opportunity to meet so many inspiring individuals who are working to build stronger ties between the United States and Pakistan, which benefit both of our countries' prosperity and security. For example, I've seen how US businesses across Punjab Province are creating high-quality jobs for thousands of Pakistani men and women, while also driving local innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture to IT. I've heard from Pakistani businesspeople about how they are turninghigh-quality US cotton imports into beautifulPakistani textiles — strengthening both the American and Pakistani economies. I've met hundreds of students who are working hard in US-supported English-language programs, recognizing that stronger English language skills will open doors to new economic possibilities for themselves and their communities. One of the major highlights of my time as Consul General was preparing for the December 2024 opening of the new US-supported "Lincoln Corner" at the historic Quaid-e-Azam Library in Lahore — as well as engaging with Pakistani students at other Lincoln Corners spread across the province. These locations offer opportunities for Pakistanis to check out the latest U.S. technology, explore study-abroad opportunities in the United States' world-class universities, and to help Americans and Pakistanis connect with one another. If you haven't attended a program at your nearby Lincoln Corner yet, I highly encourage it! In Lahore, I also always have appreciated the opportunity to drop by the iconic Lahore Fort to see the latest progress on our ongoing cultural preservation project to restore seven of the Fort's structures for future generations to enjoy. Of course, I've loved sampling unique local dishes all across Punjab Province, from chirayin Gujranwala, to payye in Lahore, to sohan halwa in Multan. And I'll especially miss Pakistan's fruits — including, of course, the kinnow, which is a sweet reminder and symbol of the longstanding US-Pakistan collaboration in agriculture. While I'm sad to depart Pakistan, I look forward to returning sometime in the future. My tenure as Consul General marks my third time working in Pakistan, and I hope not my final time living in this beautiful country! I also leave confident that the US-Pakistan partnership in Punjab Province and beyond willcontinue to grow. Thousands of Pakistani alumni of US exchange programs are playing a vital role in introducing the skills and knowledge from their US programs into their local communities. Thank you, Punjab Province, for the very warm welcome that you gave me, and that I know you will give to my successor. The writer is the consul general of the USA in Lahore
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'US-Pakistan education, agri ties strengthening'
United States Consul General in Lahore, Kristin K Hawkins, has emphasised enduring and historic relationship between Pakistan and the United States, highlighting ongoing cooperation in agriculture, education, trade and cultural preservation. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Hawkins noted that agricultural experts from both countries are working together to address challenges faced by farmers in South Punjab and the United States. "Beyond agriculture, there are bilateral programs that allow both nations to support each other in trade and other sectors," she said. Hawkins underlined the US's commitment to supporting Pakistan's youth through education. Since its inception in 2004, the English Access Microscholarship Program has enabled over 27,000 Pakistani studentsmore than 6,000 from Punjab aloneto receive modern educational opportunities. "Our goal is to prepare students to contribute to a safe and prosperous future for both countries," she added. In the past two years, over 1,000 new students have been enrolled in the Access Program across Punjab, including more than 400 from cities in South Punjab. Speaking about cultural preservation, Hawkins said the United States has supported around 35 projects in Pakistan under the Cultural Preservation Fund. These include historical sites such as Multan's iconic Ghanta Ghar and various shrines. She also highlighted the establishment of 19 Lincoln Corners across Pakistan to expand educational and technological resources.
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan-US relations strong, expanding across key sectors: US consul general
Listen to article US Consul General Lahore Kristin K Hawkins has said that Pakistan and the United States share a longstanding and enduring relationship, with cooperation expanding across sectors including agriculture, trade, education and cultural preservation. In an exclusive interview with Express News, Hawkins stated that agricultural experts from both countries are working jointly to tackle farming challenges faced in South Punjab and the US. She added that bilateral programmes in areas such as trade and agriculture can further strengthen mutual support. 'Our focus is to provide modern educational opportunities to Pakistan's youth,' Hawkins said. She highlighted the success of the English Access Micro-scholarship Program, launched in 2004, which has benefitted more than 27,000 Pakistani students, including 6,000 from Punjab. 🇺🇸 and 🇵🇰 are jointly preserving Multan's history and culture! CG Hawkins visited the City of Saints, where the U.S. is supporting restoration work at Multan's historic Ghanta Ghar. She also congratulated 150 students who completed a 🇺🇸-supported skills training program!… — U.S. Consulate General Lahore (@USCGLahore) July 14, 2025 'These students are contributing to a safer and more prosperous future for both nations,' she said. Over the last two years, the programme has expanded, reaching over 1,000 new students in Punjab, with 400 students from cities across South Punjab. Responding to a question on cultural initiatives, Hawkins said the US has supported nearly 35 cultural preservation projects in Pakistan under the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). Notable efforts include the conservation of historical landmarks such as Multan's Ghanta Ghar and local shrines. She also mentioned the establishment of 19 Lincoln Corners across Pakistan to provide students with access to modern technology, including 3D printing, digital libraries, and research journals, offering access to more than 40,000 scholarly articles. Lincoln Corners across Pakistan are hubs for learning, dialogue, and connection. 📚 In Multan, CG Hawkins visited Bahauddin Zakariya University and met with Lincoln Corner volunteers who shared how the space has helped them grow, personally and professionally, by providing a… — U.S. Consulate General Lahore (@USCGLahore) July 14, 2025 These centres also provide guidance on higher education opportunities in the US, while promoting technology and cultural exchange. 'In South Punjab, Lincoln Corners have been set up at Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan and the University of Education in Vehari,' she said. Hawkins reiterated the US' commitment to fostering educational and cultural cooperation, particularly for youth empowerment in underserved regions.
