USAID hosts Iftar dinner in Lahore 

LAHORE — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) hosted an Iftar dinner in Lahore today where Mission Director Reed Aeschliman highlighted the long-standing US-Pakistan relationship across a variety of sectors. 

Deputy Mission Director Yohannes Araya and Consul General William Makaneole joined him at the Iftar, which was attended by more than 80 prominent guests from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society.

“Our countries have been strong partners for over 75 years.  Our two nations have substantial shared interests and values, which is reflected in our wide-ranging partnership,” stated Mission Director Aeschliman in his welcome remarks. “We are meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow with inclusive and locally-led strategies and activities.”

Mission Director Aeschliman also highlighted the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance -- a framework that addresses shared challenges related to agriculture, energy, water, and other environmental issues.  The Green Alliance will strengthen climate resilience and foster inclusive economic growth.  Aeschliman closed his remarks by thanking the guests for their consistent and strong support for USAID initiatives.

US Consul General Lahore William K. Makaneole stated, “The United States enjoys a long-standing partnership with the people of Punjab across a variety of sectors. I look forward to fostering the partnership between the United States and Punjab Province in the coming years.” 

At the Iftar dinner, USAID and US Consulate leadership and the guests engaged in candid discussions on development challenges and opportunities in Punjab. USAID resumed the annual tradition of hosting an Iftar in Lahore, after several years without Iftars due to COVID-19.