MULTAN – U.S. Consul General Colleen Crenwelge highlighted U.S.-Pakistan cooperation on a range of issues and encouraged job skills development for Pakistan’s youth during a two-day visit (March 18-19) to Multan.
She welcomed students to two new U.S. government-funded English language programs, inaugurated a solar power system supported by the United States, distributed toolkits to help aspiring entrepreneurs start their businesses, and met with local government officials and business leaders.
“The United States is proud to partner with Pakistan in the advances being made in Multan,” Consul General Crenwelge said.
“Whether it is through initiatives to improve students’ English language and job skills, provide uninterrupted electricity through a new solar power system, encourage new businesses, or preserve important cultural heritage sites, the United States stands with Pakistan as we move together toward a more prosperous, peaceful future,” she added.
During her visit to Multan, Consul General Crenwelge welcomed 250 Pakistani students to the two-year English Access Microscholarship Program and inaugurated a new six-month English Works! program for 75 youth. Both programs are funded by the U.S. Department of State and are designed to equip participants with the English language and critical thinking skills that are essential in today’s job market.
At the Punjab Vocational Training Council’s Vocational Training Institute, Consul General Crenwelge inaugurated a state-of-the-art solar power system supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The new system will support education by providing uninterrupted electricity to thousands of students and eliminating power-related disruptions.
Consul General Crenwelge also met with graduating trainees at a USAID-funded career counseling center and distributed toolkits to help them start their businesses, creating economic opportunities for youth in South Punjab.
During visits to the shrines of Musa Pak Shaheed and Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Consul General Crenwelge emphasized the U.S. government’s long-standing commitment to protecting Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage. The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation has provided more than $70,000 to restore shrines in Multan, including those of Musa Pak Shaheed and Shah Shams Tabraiz.
While in Multan, Consul General Crenwelge also met with Commissioner Imran Sikandar Baloch and members of the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss local political and economic conditions.
