He says geopolitical considerations, economic objectives and security challenges remain central to Pakistan’s policymaking.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh spoke to Columbia University SIPA students about Pakistan’s evolving geopolitical role. PHOTO: CONSULATE GENERAL OF NEW YORK OF PAKISTAN ON X
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh on Saturday reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to regional stability and diplomatic engagement, while highlighting the country’s evolving geopolitical role during a speech at Columbia University.
Speaking at a debate organized by the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Sheikh outlined Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities, including its engagement with the United States and its efforts to promote dialogue in regional conflicts.
He said Pakistan continues to play a constructive role in facilitating diplomatic engagement, including in the Iran-US context, as part of its broader push for peace and stability.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh spoke to Columbia University SIPA students about Pakistan’s evolving geopolitical role, highlighting foreign policy priorities, regional dynamics and global partnerships. Accompanied by CG Aamir Ahmad Atozai. pic.twitter.com/bDRr6MJaHJ
— Consulate General of Pakistan in New York (@PakinNewYork) April 24, 2026
The session, moderated by Rumela Sen, also covered the historical trajectory of Pakistan-US relations, with the ambassador highlighting both areas of cooperation and changing strategic priorities over time.
Sheikh said geopolitical considerations, economic objectives and security challenges remain central to Pakistan’s policymaking as it navigates an increasingly multipolar global landscape.
The students engaged with the ambassador in a question and answer session on regional security, economic diplomacy and Pakistan’s strategic outlook.
Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Aamir Ahmad Atozai, also attended the event, which underlined the ongoing academic and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
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Last week, Sheikh called for promoting bilateral economic relations, saying that bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States were not merely optional but an important need of the present and future.
The ambassador, in his speech at the ‘Pakistan Conference’ held at Harvard University, invited American businessmen and investors to exploit Pakistan’s potential, reiterating the country’s commitment to provide all possible facilities to investors.
The ambassador said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned Pakistan emerging as “the axis of the world” and due to Pakistan’s positive diplomatic role over decades and its consistent efforts, the country was selected as a facilitator for US-Iran negotiations.
