U.S. Embassy in Islamabad Celebrates 249th Independence Day, Underscoring Deepening U.S.-Pakistan Ties

Islamabad, June 5, 2025 — The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad hosted a vibrant celebration on Wednesday evening to commemorate the 249th anniversary of American independence. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker delivered a keynote address highlighting the longstanding friendship and evolving partnership between the United States and Pakistan.

The event drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, senior military officials, and members of the diplomatic corps. Guests from diverse sectors—spanning business, fashion, sports, and civil society—as well as prominent media personalities, also attended the festivities.

In her opening remarks, Baker welcomed attendees in both English and Urdu, reflecting the close cultural rapport between the two nations. “The United States and Pakistan have stood together through good times and bad, from development to defense, from health to education,” she stated, underscoring shared historical values of liberty, equality, and opportunity.

Drawing on her second diplomatic tenure in Islamabad, Baker praised Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people. She noted that bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly over the years, evolving from primarily security-focused engagement into broader collaboration in civilian sectors.

Baker paid particular tribute to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), lauding its decades-long work in Pakistan. She commended USAID’s contributions in health, education, food security, and economic empowerment, emphasizing that “the legacy of USAID’s work in Pakistan will continue to benefit communities for generations to come.”

On security cooperation, Baker reaffirmed the depth of defense ties, celebrating recent Pakistani successes in counterterrorism. She specifically applauded Islamabad’s role in the capture and extradition of the ISIS-K operative responsible for the Abbey Gate attack in Afghanistan, calling it a “major milestone in bilateral counterterrorism efforts.”

Speaking on economic collaboration, Baker highlighted last month’s Pakistan Critical Minerals Investment Forum and ongoing cooperation in technology, digital markets, and innovation. She praised Pakistan’s leadership in promoting industrial growth and digital transformation, noting that these areas form a key pillar of the evolving partnership.

In a notable diplomatic reference, Baker acknowledged U.S.-Pakistan efforts to de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and India, signaling continued American engagement for regional peace and stability. She reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster constructive dialogue in South Asia.

The evening’s celebration featured classic American fare, live performances by the U.S. Air Force band, and décor evoking traditional Independence Day themes. Baker commended the event’s sponsors and organizers for orchestrating an evening that not only celebrated American independence but also showcased the “vibrant spirit of U.S.-Pakistan friendship.”

Concluding her address, Baker quoted President Donald Trump’s description of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship as “great,” adding, “the best is yet to come.” The festive gathering served as a reminder of mutual goodwill and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and deeper cooperation in the years ahead.