KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that Pakistan and America share many values, such as freedom, democracy, decolonisation and economic liberalism.

He said this while speaking at a reception hosted by US Consul General in Karachi Conrad Tribble on the eve of the 248th anniversary of American impendence at the consulate.

He said that the relationship between the US and Pakistan had experienced challenges in the past, but “we are committed to working together to navigate the changing geopolitical landscape”.

US consulate celebrates 248th Independence Day

“As we look to the future, there are numerous opportunities to enhance the US-Pakistan partnership beyond security. We can collaborate in areas such as technology, education, climate change, and public health,” he said.

“As we gather to celebrate this momentous event, we also reflect on the bonds that unite our two nations — Pakistan and the United States — and the journey we have undertaken together over the years,” he said.

“The economic partnership between our two countries has grown significantly in recent years. In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, direct US investment in Pakistan increased by 50 per cent, reaching its highest level in over a decade,” the CM said and added the US companies had a strong presence in Pakistan, with over 80 wholly or majority-owned US subsidiary firms registered.

“These companies have collectively invested over $1.5 billion in Pakistan and generated approximately $3bn in annual revenue,” he disclosed.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2024