By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: At a Fourth of July celebration in Islamabad, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker highlighted the enduring strength of US-Pakistan ties, describing security cooperation as a pillar of their long-term partnership.
Speaking to a gathering that included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior Pakistani officials, Baker thanked attendees for their presence, saying their participation was “an honor” and a reflection of shared values between the two nations. Baker, currently on her second diplomatic assignment in Islamabad, reflected warmly on her earlier posting in Pakistan, recalling the warmth of its people, the richness of its culture, and the echoes of cricket stadium cheers.
“Some things never change—Pakistan still holds what makes it truly unique,” she said, adding that Pakistani fashion continues to blend tradition and modern design in inspiring ways. Since returning last August, she said she has been “humbled and inspired” by the resilience and depth of US-Pakistan relations. “I stand proudly beside the people and leadership of Pakistan, looking ahead to the future with hope.”
She noted that the United States was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan’s independence in 1947, and that the relationship has matured into a partnership rooted in mutual respect and the belief that all people deserve the right to live freely and with dignity. Over the past 78 years, Baker said the two nations have stood together—whether building hospitals, teaching in classrooms, conducting research or responding to natural disasters.
