by: Nuaman Ishfaq Mughal
Washington: Government of Pakistan awarded the Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam to Samantha Power, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in recognition of her efforts to assist the people of Pakistan and to strengthen the partnership between Pakistan and the United States.
Samantha Power, serving as the 19th Administrator of USAID, has been a proponent of strong Pakistan-US relations, particularly in the areas of health, education, climate change, and public relations. She played a crucial role in delivering American humanitarian aid during the catastrophic floods of 2022.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Pakistan upon receiving the award, Power stated in a video message that the award is a testament to the enduring partnership between USAID and the people of Pakistan. Recalling her visit to Pakistan in September 2022, she mentioned the overwhelming sight of entire cities submerged under what seemed like an endless expanse of water, while in reality, the sea was hundreds of miles away.
Power highlighted the high-level support from the White House and the US Congress, which resulted in $215 million in aid to those affected by the floods. She also shed light on the cooperation from American citizens and companies, who contributed over $37 million in donations to Pakistan.
She reiterated USAID’s mission to assist the Pakistani people by improving water management systems, building markets for climate-smart agricultural technologies and techniques, and mobilizing finance for climate adaptation under the US-Pakistan Green Alliance initiative. Power affirmed her commitment to standing with Pakistan through the long and challenging journey of recovery from the devastating floods.
Pakistani Ambassador Masood Khan congratulated Power on receiving the national honor, praising her as a true friend of the Pakistani people whose humanitarian services would not be forgotten. “Her leadership and services have not only strengthened the relations between the people of Pakistan and the United States but also elevated the stature of USAID as an organization,” he said.
https://tnmn.tv/
