By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
PESHAWAR: Acting United States Ambassador Natalie Baker visited Nowshera, underscoring Washington’s focus on strengthening business partnerships and expanding educational opportunities in Pakistan, as she highlighted the broader economic and social impact of American investment in the country.
During her visit, Ms Baker inaugurated a new KFC restaurant, pointing to the role of American brands working with Pakistani partners in generating jobs and stimulating local economic activity. She said such collaborations went beyond commercial interests, contributing directly to livelihoods and community development.
“American companies, in partnership with Pakistani businesses, are helping to grow the local economy and create opportunities for people,” the acting ambassador said, adding that trade and investment ties formed an important pillar of the bilateral relationship.
Ms Baker also visited the KFC-supported Deaf Reach School in Nowshera, where she met students and staff and observed educational and vocational programmes for hearing-impaired children. The school provides quality education, technical skills training and pathways to dignified employment for members of Pakistan’s deaf community.
The Deaf Reach schools are run by the Family Educational Services Foundation, founded by American philanthropists Richard Geary and Heidi Gostynski-Geary. Officials said the initiative had played a significant role in improving access to education and employment for deaf children across the country.
Highlighting the scale of US economic engagement, the acting ambassador said more than 80 American companies had invested in Pakistan to date, creating direct employment for approximately 120,000 people. She added that more than one million Pakistanis had benefited indirectly through associated supply chains and services.
Observers said the visit reflected continued US interest in deepening trade cooperation and investment links with Pakistan, alongside support for social sector initiatives, particularly in education and skills development. Strict security arrangements were in place throughout the visit, officials said.
